William Kentridge

Kentridge seems to be one of the ubiquitous artists in the last couple of years, everyone seems to cite him as an influence, or in liking his work- I am no exception, though I wouldn't go as far as to say everything he's done has been stunning. In particular, I'm thinking of the videos in the Italian pavilion in this year's Biennale- these were drawing animations which also include image of himself, as the artist in his studio, drawing and erasing himself, tearing drawings of himself up (to playing them in reverse to remake himself), in loops on all the walls. Something interesting there, I think in a way a homage to "the artist" but a little too self-aggrandising for me. One thing that always comes into play with his work is the amount of tedious work, and his drawing skill, but what interests me the most of the sense of pacing, and the potential narratives with the ordinary man (Felix Teitlebaum) and the businessman (Soho Eckstein) and the possibilities of complexity within the work. "I am interested in a political art, that is to say an art of ambiguity, contradiction, uncompleted gestures and uncertain ending - an art (and a politics) in which optimism is kept in check, and nihilism at bay."

But this biennale (and also the video sold at other Kentridge exhibitions) seem intended to provide a glimpse behind the curtain, but end up far too distracting from the work. Maybe it's my own distaste for self-promotion, or maybe he's been hanging out with Bruce Nauman and Matthew Barney too much, but I am eager to see new work without the gimmicks (playing with a live orchestra in Central Park, for one) or not being diverted by too many "side" projects (the puppet theater, the live-action films with drawings- Roger Rabbit, anyone?)

And maybe less "artist in action" shots like the one below...



I've noticed on the net a lot of prints being offered up to- maybe now is the time for Kentridge to cash in, but I wonder if it's getting to me a little too much, perhaps even for him. I can't imagine doing singular prints or drawings holds that much interest for him- or again, maybe hanging out with Barney?



Not to kick on him too much, but the films, particularly "weighing...and wanting" have so much power to them, that the rest of the work that doesn't measure up to that is pretty disappointing.