Proudly announcing their joint representation, Hauser & Wirth, in collaboration with Goodman Gallery and Lia Rumma, now represents esteemed South African artist William Kentridge. Alongside this partnership, Hauser & Wirth reveals plans to host a solo exhibition for Kentridge in New York in 2025.
Kentridge decided to join Hauser & Wirth following his December 2022 exhibition with the gallery, which showcased large-scale sculptures in the gardens of the Gstaad Palace, Switzerland. The mega-gallery, founded in the early 1990s in Switzerland, boasts 19 locations worldwide and an impressive roster of 103 artists and estates, including luminaries such as Cindy Sherman, Pat Steir, and Firelei Báez.
Reflecting on the change, Kentridge expressed gratitude for Goodman’s unwavering support, stating, “After much careful consideration, I am excited to begin the next chapter, working with my existing galleries Goodman Gallery and Galleria Lia Rumma in collaboration with Hauser & Wirth.”
Known for his diverse and prolific practice encompassing prints, drawings, and animated films, Kentridge’s work often delves into the complex history of South Africa. Beyond traditional art forms, he has expanded his Johannesburg studio into a hub for workshops and mentorships, becoming a significant cultural employer in the local scene.
Born in 1955 in Johannesburg, Kentridge has honed his multifaceted practice over five decades, encompassing drawing, sculpture, printmaking, film, theatre, and opera. Influenced by his upbringing during apartheid, Kentridge’s art grapples with themes of history, power, and memory. Notably, between 1989 and 2003, he gained acclaim for nine short animated films crafted from charcoal drawings.
In a statement, Iwan Wirth, co-president of Hauser & Wirth, acknowledges the honour of Kentridge joining the gallery, also describing him as a “creative luminary of our time.” Wirth emphasizes Kentridge’s ability to weave universal and personal themes, leading audiences through the complexities of politics, mythology, literature, and art history.
Kentridge’s upcoming exhibition in one of Hauser & Wirth’s New York spaces marks the beginning of this exciting collaboration, also offering art enthusiasts a glimpse into the next chapter of his remarkable artistic journey.
