William Kentridge, 51, an emblematic figure, has become the most famous artist in South Africa. In spite of a very busy schedule, this superst-art took a few moments to talk to us about his work. Among the topics discussed were his sources of inspiration, with Africa playing an important role.

Thanks to a series of short animated films, which he prefers to call “Drawings for Projection”, William Kentridge gained world fame starting in the 1990s. He has gone from theater actor, to mime, to director, to producer, to plastic artist, always moving freely from one discipline to another, creating unexpected connections between plastic arts, film, and theater arts. When asked about his incredibly eclectic career, he says, “I draw from all elements of the world around me… From things that draw me, that provoke me, that revolt me… And it’s the combination of these elements with the “ingredients” of my studio (different techniques and media, art history, etc.) that allows me to create a work of art. Ultimately, my inspiration is born of this confrontation.” He recognizes that his inspiration is heavily influenced by the history of his country, South Africa, a real muse. For Kentridge, Africa is “much more than an invention on a page in an atlas… It is the result of different visions. A continent filled with diversity.”

by Gwennaëlle Gribaumont

The full article is available in the 2nd issue of MOYI.