Tate Modern Artists: William Kentridge

by Kate McCrickard

South African artist William Kentridge is one of the most important contemporary artists at work today. Born in Johannesburg in 1955, his work draws on the traditions of early European modernism to provide a unique commentary on the political life of his home country and on power relationships in the wider world. Focusing on subjects such as colonialism, apartheid, and totalitarianism, he satirizes the status quo without being politically prescriptive—somehow commenting on human existence itself. He works in many different media, making prints, books, collage, tapestry, and sculpture, and even directing and designing operas at some of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York. Accessible and authoritative, this book is the perfect overview of one of the 21st century’s most complex yet engaging artists.

Genres: Art

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Deb Oestreicher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys William Kentridge's work and would like to learn more about this wonderful South African artist (he happens to be one of my favorite contemporary artists). The text is well written and offers brief biographical information as well as a discussion of Kentridge's career as an artist, accompanied by a good selection of reproductions and photographs. It is a slim volume--not comprehensive or deep, but a nice overview, with peppered with insights from the artist himself.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, paced overview of the amazingly complex, hard-to-convey, multifaceted works of this incredibly inventive man.