Renowned South African artist William Kentridge has begun a new chapter in his artistic journey, bidding farewell to Marian Goodman Gallery and joining forces with the prestigious Hauser & Wirth gallery. The move stands as a monumental change for Kentridge, whose debut solo exhibition under Hauser & Wirth's representation is scheduled for 2025.
Hauser & Wirth, in collaboration with Goodman Gallery and Galleria Lia Rumma, Milan, is set to offer a platform for Kentridge's captivating artistic expressions. While he will continue to showcase his work with Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg and London, as well as Galleria Lia Rumma in Naples, his affiliation with Hauser & Wirth opens up new avenues in the Global Art Market.
Kentridge has earned international acclaim for his monochromatic drawings, animated films, and thought-provoking operas that transverse into the political, cultural, and social transformations within his home country of South Africa. Often infused with humor and theatrical elements, his works offer profound reflections on history and the human condition.
Expressing their admiration for Kentridge's multifaceted talent, Iwan Wirth, President and confounder of Hauser & Wirth, acknowledged his outstanding contributions across various artistic disciplines. Wirth stated, “It is a true honor that William Kentridge has decided to join our gallery. William’s virtuosity as an artist, thinker, polymath and mentor of others sets him apart as a creative luminary of our time. Through the diversity, courage and sheer power of his work, he interweaves themes that are both universal and personal to lead us through the mazes of politics, mythology, literature and art history. In this way, William has created something simultaneously epic and ephemeral with his art, always finding new approaches to expressing the most challenging ideas.”
Marian Goodman Gallery played a crucial role in Kentridge's career, having represented him for over two decades. Under Goodman's representation, Kentridge was showcased at esteemed institutions including Musée du Louvre, MoMA, and the Royal Academy of Arts.
Reflecting on his time with Goodman Gallery, Kentridge expressed gratitude for the indisputable support he received. “Marian Goodman has been steadfast in supporting my work for the 25 years I have been with her gallery,” he remarked in a release by ArtNews. “She and her team have been vital to my practice and have forged connections between me and a range of institutions, curators and collectors. I cannot thank the gallery enough for their support. After much careful consideration I am excited to begin the next chapter, working with my existing galleries Goodman Gallery and Galleria Lia Rumma in collaboration with Hauser & Wirth."
For more information, visit: Hauser & Wirth
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