Drawings for Projection

William Kentridge
1989-1994
Charcoal, Paper

Stills drawn in charcoal.

"Drawings for Projection" by South African artist William Kentridge offers a poignant and immersive experience that merges art and activism seamlessly. This series of animated films extends beyond traditional art forms, bringing charcoal sketches to life frame by frame, and uniting elements of drawing, film, and theatre. Kentridge's work often addresses historical and socio-political issues, focusing on the complexities and human costs of apartheid in South Africa.

Kentridge employs a distinctive technique often described as "stone-age animation," where he films a drawing, erases part of it, and redraws on the same sheet of paper. This method creates a sense of motion and introduces a metaphorical layer, symbolizing the impermanence of historical memory and the fluidity of personal and collective experience.

Intricate and multi-dimensional, "Drawings for Projection" resonates with universal human emotions, offering viewers a shared space for reflection, empathy, and understanding. The series captures the imperfections, erasures, and rewrites that collectively weave the complex fabric of human history. In a world inclined toward oversimplification, Kentridge presents a kaleidoscope of ethical and emotional nuances. His art serves not just as a visual spectacle but as nourishment for the soul, challenging viewers to confront and question the world around them.