The Sharjah Art Foundation is set to host a groundbreaking exhibition titled "A Shadow of a Shadow," featuring the work of renowned South African artist William Kentridge. This comprehensive survey, marking Kentridge's first major solo exhibition in the Middle East, will showcase 17 performances spanning from the late 1980s to the present day.
William Kentridge, Cat / Coffee Pot IV, 2019. © William Kentridge. Image courtesy of Kentridge Studio. Photo: Christoph Wolmerans
Kentridge, a master of multiple disciplines including drawing, filmmaking, sculpture, and theatre, has been collaborating with local theatre groups and world-renowned opera houses for over four decades. His practice seamlessly blends theatrical, musical, and operatic projects with visual components that reappear in various forms throughout his work.
The exhibition's title draws inspiration from Muhammad Ibn Daniyal, a 13th-century playwright and puppeteer who fled Iraq during the Mongol invasions. Ibn Daniyal's shadow plays, born from a sense of impending apocalypse, satirized authorities and exposed societal corruption. These themes resonate strongly with Kentridge's work, particularly his adaptations of Alfred Jarry's "Ubu Roi" (1896), which will be featured prominently in the exhibition. Visitors to "A Shadow of a Shadow" will encounter a diverse array of Kentridge's creations, ranging from his interpretations of "King Ubu" to his take on Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" (1791). The exhibition will also showcase Kentridge's original production "The Head and the Load" (2018), which explores the experiences of Africa and Africans during World War I.
The exhibition space will be transformed into a theatrical wonderland, featuring an eclectic mix of objects and artworks produced for Kentridge's performance projects. Attendees can expect to see drawings, stage backdrops, animations, puppets, props, costumes, and installations inspired by theatrical illusions. This immersive experience will offer a unique insight into Kentridge's creative process and the evolution of his artistic vision over the years. One of the exhibition's central themes is Kentridge's incisive political critique of authoritarianism, expressed through absurdist satire and theatricality. His work consistently challenges social constructs, power structures, and the ongoing manifestations of colonial projects. By centering his art around the human condition, Kentridge weaves complex narratives that intertwine with the social, political, and economic realities of South Africa.
Kentridge's impressive career has earned him numerous accolades, including the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera (2023), the Praemium Imperiale in painting (2019), and the Antonio Feltrinelli International Prize (2018). His works can be found in prestigious collections worldwide, including the MoMA in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London.
"A Shadow of a Shadow" promises to be a landmark event in the Middle Eastern art world, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the full breadth of Kentridge's theatrical and visual artistry. The exhibition not only celebrates Kentridge's contributions to contemporary art but also serves as a platform for critical reflection on the power of art to comment on and shape our understanding of society and politics.
William Kentridge: A Shadow of a Shadow
Dates: September 28 - December 8, 2024
Venue: Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Curators: Hoor Al Qasimi (Director, Sharjah Art Foundation), Tarek Abou El Fetouh (Senior Curator and Director of the Performance Department), with May Alqaydi (Assistant Curator) and Khalid Mohammed (Curatorial Assistant)
Admission: Free and open to the public
Website: https://sharjahart.org/
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