Artist 101

1.

Born into Apartheid

Born in Johannesburg to politically active parents at the beginning of the apartheid which would divide South Africa for many decades to come, William Kentridge is a leading contemporary artist who developed a unique style across various mediums in order to confront the atrocities of the late 20th century and beyond.

It was evident from a young age that Kentridge had talent, and he later became the first artist to have a catalogue raisonné devoted to the work he made in his youth. He studied Politics and African Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, followed by a diploma in Fine Arts from the Johannesburg Art Foundation. Originally wanting to be an actor, in the 1980s he studied mime and theatre at the famous L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris. He also worked as an art director on films and TV series, which had an immeasurable influence on his work. By this time he had been awarded a number of prestigious prizes and was beginning to show his work internationally.

Kentridge continues to be the subject of major exhibitions at important institutions and is regularly featured in biennales around the world. While apartheid has long ended, his socio-political artworks continue to resonate with both young and old today.

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2.

Inspiration & Influence

Kentridge’s main inspiration comes from the civil rights struggle in South Africa, and the change in government in 1994 which saw the election of Nelson Mandela as the country’s first black president.

As well as contemporary political events, Kentridge was influenced by artists such as Honoré Daumier, Francisco de Goya and William Hogarth, whose mix of satire and technical skill offered the perfect inspiration for an artist who would go on to use his indomitable imagination to attack the establishment for many decades to come.

Literary and philosophical references also abound in Kentridge’s work. In recent years, he has worked on a number of operas as a director and set designer, using his signature expressionist style to bring past masterpieces to life. Throughout his work, the medium is a tool for feeling; his ability to jump between film and drawing, printing and painting, allows him to weave complex narratives that play with time and history and draw the viewer in through affect and empathy.

3.

Fragmentation & Erasure

We could describe Kentridge’s process as one of cutting up and piecing together again, in order to both record and subvert the grand narrative of history. He is perhaps best known for his animated films, such as the celebrated work from 1994, Felix in Exile, where he begins with a single charcoal and pastel drawing which he then repeatedly erases and reworks, photographing each adjustment and evolution. The sheet is recorded up to 500 times and the frames are then run together to create the illusion of motion. This process of erasure and redrawing is pivotal in communicating one of Kentridge's principle themes: memory. Traces of the earlier compositions remain, just perceptible beneath each fresh drawing.

Previous incarnations continue to shape the present scene, just as the past leaves an indelible impression on our consciousness. The working method can be seen as a metaphor for the human psyche, but also for South Africa. Kentridge's drawing reveals that even after a change in leadership the slate can never truly be wiped clean; memories of colonial oppression and discrimination under apartheid will continue to inform the nation's identity.

4.

On the Market

The market for works by Kentridge is currently very strong, with record prices being paid for his drawings. He is recognised as an important figure on the contemporary art scene around the world and is the focus of a major exhibition taking place at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2022 - the first of its scale in the UK. Kentridge's established - and ever-rising - position in the art world is reflected in his artwork estimates which have risen sharply.

Kentridge is an extremely prolific artist, however, and collectors can still find many prints and original drawings for sale on the market from all stages of his career. He was a master of large-scale coloured etching – some range over 200 cm high – and these are counted among his most impactful works. Edition sizes for his prints tend to be quite small and small etchings start from around £3,000. At the other end, more highly sought-after works – such as a series of bronzes entitled The Procession from 1999–2000 – regularly reach over £1 million.

5.

Collecting & Care

As Kentridge continues to be exhibited in the world’s most important galleries and museums, his estimates are set to rise even further, making this a good time to invest. New collectors should start by looking at his prints as well as the drawings used in the production of Kentridge’s many films - these have a wonderful ‘worked’ character with corrections and rubbing-out that other finished drawings lack.

Before buying, collectors should always ask themselves whether they love a piece, rather than considering its potential purely as an investment. Beyond that, a detailed condition report should be consulted and full provenance requested before purchase. It’s also advisable to research the artist or work in question; there are many books, catalogues and museum collections that can help, along with auction house specialists who can offer further advice.

Once a piece has been purchased, it’s important to look after it with care. Works on paper need particular attention due to their fragility and Kentridge’s work should be displayed on acid-free mounts and away from direct sunlight in a stable climate, avoiding damp.