William Kentridge
- Born:
- April 28, 1955, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nationality:
- South African
- Profession(s):
- Artist (Drawing, Animation, Film, Sculpture, Theatre)
Early Life and Education
- Born to Sydney Kentridge and Felicia Geffen, both lawyers known for their anti-apartheid activism.
- Studied Politics and African Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1973-1976).
- Attended the Johannesburg Art Foundation (1976-1978).
- Studied mime and theatre at L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris (1981-1982).
Career and Major Achievements
- Began exploring animation using charcoal drawings in the late 1980s.
- Rose to international prominence in the 1990s.
- Known for his animated films based on charcoal drawings, often addressing themes of social injustice, memory, and the legacy of apartheid.
- Designed sets and costumes for operas, including Mozart's The Magic Flute and Shostakovich's The Nose.
- Exhibited his work at major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Louvre.
- Delivered the Norton Lectures at Harvard University in 2001.
- Received the Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy in 2010.
- Received the Praemium Imperiale award in 2019.
Notable Works
Films
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg, 2nd Greatest City After Paris | 1989 |
| Monument | 1990 |
| Mine | 1991 |
| Stereoscope | 1999 |
| Ubu Tells the Truth | 1997 |
Opera Productions (Selection)
- The Magic Flute (Mozart)
- The Nose (Shostakovich)
- Lulu (Alban Berg)
- Wozzeck (Alban Berg)
Legacy and Impact
William Kentridge is recognized as one of South Africa's most important contemporary artists. His work explores the complex history and lasting effects of apartheid, employing innovative techniques that blend drawing, animation, film, and theatre. The lefifi tladi biography of william demonstrates his considerable contribution to the art world, pushing boundaries and provoking critical reflection on social and political issues.