William Kentridge in conversation with Sacha Bronwasser

William Kentridge (Johannesburg, 1955) is one of the most prominent artists of our time. His work ranges from charcoal, pencil and ink drawings to playful installations exploring history and politics. His art is exhibited worldwide, and he has directed numerous productions that combine drawings, theatre, film, and music, often collaborating with other artists.

During Crossing Border, he will speak about Anatomy of the Studio, which will be published in Dutch in October.

About A Natural History of the Studio
In A Natural History of the Studio, the world-renowned South African artist William Kentridge passionately shares his working methods. His process often begins with creative procrastination: drinking tea, tidying up, and making a list of “the lesser good ideas.” Sometimes, after many circles around the worktable, something emerges that is worth pursuing further. This is how his spectacular works begin, such as the moving shadow processions in Amsterdam, Rome, Cape Town, and New York.

Equally engaging is Kentridge’s account of his family background. He describes how his grandfather came to Johannesburg from Lithuania as a Kantorovich and how his father, as a judge, stood against apartheid. He recounts his own early attempts to combine art and politics in imaginative ways, which eventually led to his Johannesburg studio with more than twenty employees.

A Natural History of the Studio is not only a must-read for admirers of his art but also a unique book about the creative process and the role of the artist.