

CHANEL Connects - The Sparring Partners: William Kentridge and Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev
Jul 30, 2024
William Kentridge, a renowned South African artist, and Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, an acclaimed curator, dive into their creative bond and the Venice Biennale. They reflect on Kentridge's thought-provoking film, 'Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot,' created during the pandemic, highlighting humor and ethical themes. The duo discusses generational shifts in art appreciation, the influence of digital culture, and the evolving role of curators in nurturing artistic expression, weaving together their experiences and philosophies in a vibrant dialogue.
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First Encounter
- William Kentridge and Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev met at an artist residency in Umbria, Italy.
- Christov-Bakargiev, with her baby, visited Kentridge's studio and was impressed, beginning their collaboration.
Shared Artistic Values
- Both share an appreciation for change and unfinished processes in art.
- Kentridge's work with erasure challenged the idea of the complete, autonomous artwork, resonating with Christov-Bakargiev.
Creative Sparring
- They describe their collaboration as a form of sparring, with Christov-Bakargiev often pushing Kentridge beyond his initial ideas.
- Kentridge initially resists but often realizes the merit in Christov-Bakargiev's suggestions.