A Natural History of William Kentridge’s Studio
In a reflective piece, artist William Kentridge shares his experiences with a unique pigment: lapis lazuli, a precious blue used in Renaissance painting. He received a block of this pigment from friends, which sparked a creative exploration of color in his work.
Kentridge describes the intense blueness of lapis lazuli, a color that cannot be replicated by synthetic alternatives. He notes that while he typically does not use color in his drawings, the allure of this pigment compelled him to experiment.
As he waited for inspiration on how to incorporate the blue into his art, Kentridge began painting texts and phrases with it. This process reflects his ongoing quest to understand the weight and significance of words in his creative journey.
The artist's insights reveal the challenges and joys of working with color, as well as the importance of the studio as a space for exploration and creativity.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hyperallergic. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.