O Sentimental Machine, by William Kentridge, installation view at Zeitz MOCAA. Courtesy of William Kentridge Studio
Why Should I Hesitate: Putting Drawings to Work is a major exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist, William Kentridge. The exhibition will be the largest exhibition held in Africa in over a decade and will be hosted simultaneously in two parts, alongside Norval Foundation‘s Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture.
’Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture’ at Norval Foundation. Photography: Dave Southwood. Courtesy of Norval Foundation
The Zeitz MOCAA exhibition includes immersive installations that recreate William Kentridge’s library at home
Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture’ at Norval Foundation. Photography: Dave Southwood. Courtesy of Norval Foundation
Why Should I Hesitate: Putting Drawings To Work at Zeitz MOCAA will offer a wide survey of Kentridge’s work, including early works, as well as newer pieces on view for the first time in South Africa. It will cover over 40 years of artistic production (1976–2019) in drawing, stop-frame animation, video, prints, sculpture, tapestry, and large-scale installation.
Artist’s studio. Courtesy of William Kentridge Studio
’Why Should I Hesitate: Sculpture’ at Norval Foundation. Photography: Dave Southwood. Courtesy of Norval Foundation
Why Should I Hesitate: Putting Drawings to Work, at Zeitz MOCAA. Courtesy of William Kentridge Studio
The title references Kentridge’s primary practice of drawing and how this core activity informs and enables his studio practice. It also references the impact of individual action on history and the reverse – how history shapes the contemporary and the future – and works as a commentary on various shifting hegemonies of power politics, economies, language and the authority to narrate history.
Kaboom, 1997, by William Kentridge. Courtesy of Gontse Mathabathe, Zeitz MOCAA
Ubu Tells the Truth, 1997, by William Kentridge, installation view at Zeitz MOCAA. Courtesy of William Kentridge Studio
Ubu Tells the Truth, 1997, by William Kentridge. Courtesy of William Kentridge Studio
Both exhibitions will include major works from Kentridge’s extensive oeuvre and will be accompanied by two new publications, conceived in collaboration between Zeitz MOCAA, Norval Foundation and the artist. The exhibitions will be accompanied by a series of talks and performances with the artist, and leading voices in the cultural sector.
Why Should I Hesitate: Putting Drawings to Work
William Kentridge
August 25, 2019 – March 23, 2020
Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa
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