Festivals Perth 2014

William Kentridge is one of the most compelling artists of our time. His distinctive practice, a hybrid of drawing, animation, film, print-making, sculpture, set design, performance and sound has captivated audiences in museums, opera houses, biennales and festivals across the world. Born and based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kentridge’s art is an astounding inquiry into humanity and universal and primordial issues in the modern age, some of which stem from his first hand experience of the political and social struggles of his homeland. His artistic impact has been recognised with numerous awards from France, Japan, USA, Austria and Germany.

This is a unique opportunity to hear the artist discuss his inspirations, collaborations and the refinement of his intricate and influential art, on the occasion of the Australian premiere of his remarkable work The Refusal of Time.

The Refusal of Time is a monumental installation incorporating a 5–channel video projection, soundscape, and sculptures. Its presentation in PICA is a major collaboration between Perth International Arts Festival, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, the artist and the Art Gallery of Western Australia who has acquired this work for the State Art Collection.

A COLLABORATION WITH PETER GALISON, CATHERINE MEYBURGH AND PHILIP MILLER

WILLIAM KENTRIDGE The Refusal of Time, 2012, 5-channel video with sound, megaphones and breathing machine (’elephant’), State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Purchased through the TomorrowFund, Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation 2013.

Produced by Marian Goodman Gallery (New York and Paris), Lia Rumma Gallery (Naples and Milan), Goodman Gallery (Johannesburg and Cape Town), originally commissioned for dOCUMENTA (13), Kassel, 2012.