In a captivating dialogue that transcends geographical and historical boundaries, acclaimed artist William Kentridge and distinguished scholar Prof Tamar Garb will converge at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) for an exclusive in-person public lecture. The event, titled "Soviet and Apartheid-era Cultures in the 'moving' art of William Kentridge: The Politics of Aesthetics: The Aesthetics of Politics," promises to unravel the complexities of artistic expression in the face of political adversity.
Kentridge, a luminary in the art world, hailing from Johannesburg, infuses his work with a profound connection to history, literature, politics, and science. His artistic endeavors traverse diverse mediums, often incorporating collaborations with numerous creatives. Internationally recognized since the 1990s, Kentridge's works can be found in private collections and esteemed institutions worldwide. His innovative approach extends to directing operas for prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and La Scala in Milan, showcasing the multifaceted nature of his creative vision.
At the heart of the dialogue is Kentridge's engagement with Russian Constructivism, Suprematism, and dissident modernist aesthetics, drawing inspiration from Russian luminaries like Gogol, Shostakovitch, and Vertov. The conversation, led by Prof Tamar Garb, will delve into the conditions that shaped artistic expression in both the Soviet Union and Apartheid South Africa. Questions abound: What is the role of the artist as dissident? How do artistic languages encode dissent, affirm life, and resist instrumentalization in times of duress and coercion?
Prof Tamar Garb, Durning Lawrence Professor in the History of Art at University College London, brings her expertise in gender studies, sexuality, and post-apartheid culture to the discussion. Renowned for her wide-ranging publications, including "Bodies of Modernity" and "The Painted Face," Garb's insights promise to add a nuanced layer to the exploration of Kentridge's work.
The public lecture, hosted by the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ) forms part of their Aesthetics of Cruelty: The Soviet Gulag and Apartheid colloquium and will be held exclusively as an in-person event at STIAS, located on Marais Road, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch. This unique opportunity to witness the intersection of art, politics, and history will undoubtedly leave attendees with a richer understanding of the profound impact that socio-political conditions can have on artistic expression.
In-person Event Only
Click HERE to register
Date Friday, 8 December 2023
Time 14:00 PM - 15:30 PM (SAST)
