William Kentridge produced a series of nine short animated films between 1989 and 2003, collectively titled 9 Drawings for Projection. These works utilized a distinct technique involving the constant erasure and alteration of charcoal drawings on single sheets of paper, a process that reflects his broader interest in the fluidity of time, memory, and political history within South Africa.
Early Development and Education
Born in Johannesburg in 1955 to a family of lawyers, Kentridge grew up during the apartheid era. His early training included a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and African Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, followed by fine arts study at the Johannesburg Art Foundation. In the early 1980s, he attended the L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, an experience that shifted his aspirations from acting toward the visual arts.
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Kentridge is defined by his commitment to drawing as a foundational practice. His animation technique diverges from traditional methods by modifying a single drawing through successive stages of filming, creating palimpsest-like surfaces. This process treats the studio as a site of meaning-making, where the hand guides the brain to record observations of the physical world rather than abstract emotions.
Themes and Theatrical Collaborations
Much of his output addresses the socio-political realities of South Africa, often exploring the duality of human experience. Beyond printmaking and drawing, he serves as an art director and film director for theatrical productions, integrating multimedia elements and puppetry. His work frequently features recurring characters like Soho Eckstein and Felix Teitlebaum to navigate complex personal and political narratives.
Institutional Recognition
His contributions to contemporary arts have garnered numerous international accolades. Kentridge has received the Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy, the Dan David Prize, the Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts, and the Praemium Imperiale. He maintains professional memberships with the Royal Academy of Arts, the Académie des beaux-arts, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Johannesburg
- Citizenship: South Africa
- Education: University of the Witwatersrand, L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq
- Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy: 2010
- Dan David Prize: 2012
- Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts: 2017
- Praemium Imperiale: 2019
- Occupations: Actor, animator, artist, painter, film director, scenographer
Questions readers ask
What is Kentridge's animation technique?
He repeatedly erases and alters charcoal drawings on a single sheet of paper, filming each stage to create short segments of motion.
How does his background influence his work?
His parents were lawyers who defended victims of apartheid, and his work often addresses the socio-political conditions and history of South Africa.
Achievements
- Dan David Prize — 2012
- Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy — 2010
- Praemium Imperiale — 2019
