William Kentridge
Marian Goodman Gallery, New York
Through July 14
William Kentridge’s New York show presents bronze sculptures,
works on paper made of charcoal and black disjoined figures. They are installed
along the walls of the large room. The figures are similar to the shadows that
were part of the animated film Shadow Procession created by the artist
in 1999.
Kentridge was trained in theatre and mime, let alone his commitment to "Political
Art" which confirm the undeniable foundation that exists in his latest
body of work. He himself admits that his theatrical studies have influenced
his work substantially. Through mime he has acquired a deeper understanding
of the human body’s movements which – in the drawings and especially the sculptures
– take on profoundly dramatic characteristics. Where as from the theatre, he
has inherited the narrative element which is characteristic of his poetic sensibility.
Having lived in South Africa during the twentieth century has made him particularly
aware of the political events and the tragic consequences of "apartheid".
On this point, the artist declares: "I have never tried to make illustrations
of the apartheid, but the drawings and films are certanly spawned by and feed
off the brutalized society left in its wake."
The main protagonists of his solo show are "hominids". They are composed
of human parts and various types of prosthesis that are cut out and appear like
shadows against white backgrounds. Their busts resemble scissors, branches,
coffee makers, flags, compasses, trombones and gramophones. They seem to move
in a procession in the same direction, united by a faith of exhaustion and pain
which leads them in their infinite roaming.
The "walk" ideally begins in several wood and glass display windows,
similar to the ones that display manuscripts. There are collages – created by
disjoined small figures made out of black cardboard and mounted on geographical
maps – and as well several charcoal drawings directly executed on the geographical
maps.
The next installation, Procession (1999-2000) presents 26 small bronze
statues displayed in one line on a long and narrow table which runs along the
length of the space. Each one of the "shadows in procession" is characterized
by gravity and composure which give the figures a powerful dignity.
The show ends with two large charcoal drawings on paper in
which the procession of the figures becomes circular.
Micaela Giovannotti
Translation by Holly Miller
