"Ubu Tells the Truth" is a significant artwork by the renowned South African artist William Kentridge, featured in Simon Njami's Africa Remix exhibition. Created in 1996-1997, the artwork is a multi-dimensional exploration of power, corruption, and social issues, drawing inspiration from Alfred Jarry's play "Ubu Roi.""Ubu Tells the Truth" encompasses various forms, including etchings, animation, archival footage, and drawings. It exists as an animated film lasting around 8 minutes, consisting of 35mm film, charcoal drawings, chalk drawings on a black background, documentary photos, and 16mm film transferred to video. The central character, Ubu Roi, symbolizes tyranny and corruption, representing despotic power and its absurdity.In Kentridge's interpretation, "Ubu Tells the Truth" serves as a commentary on apartheid and societal oppression in South Africa. The film juxtaposes historical clips depicting violent police actions during the apartheid era, exposing the artist's political stance. Through suspenseful music and striking visuals, the artwork elicits emotions and fear, intensifying its impact on viewers, particularly aiming to raise awareness among white South Africans.Kentridge's creative approach blends animation, charcoal drawings, and archival footage, resulting in a visually and emotionally compelling portrayal of societal issues. The artwork's discomforting elements and enigmatic imagery reflect the darker aspects of humanity without resorting to didacticism, making it politically significant. "Ubu Tells the Truth" stands as a testament to Kentridge's ability to merge artistic forms and narratives to address pressing social concerns, inviting viewers to engage with the complex layers of meaning and history within the piece[[1](https://artlyst.com/features/william-kentridge-ubu-tells-the-truth-significant-works-sue-hubbard/)][[2](https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/insights/kentridge-ubusuite.html)][[3](https://www.art.co.za/williamkentridge/ubu-tells-the...