Celebrating one of the leading artists of our time! A book that offers a personal insight into his work, his thinking and his artistic techniques, written by himself.

In 2016, William Kentridge created a monumental mural frieze along the right bank of the river Tiber, for the anniversary of Rome’s legendary founding in 753 BC. To celebrate the launch, he and his long-time collaborator, the composer Philip Miller, devised a series of performances featuring live shadow play and more than 40 musicians.

One of Kentridge’s chapters of A Natural History of the Studio treats the production process of this outstanding public work. Together the six chapters of the book provide a series of philosophical, autobiographical, technical and practical notes on his work. They also give an intimate insight into his Jewish family background, growing up in South-Africa, studio in Johannesburg, where all his projects start.

Kentridge likes to collect ideas from different fields, including literature, political speeches, and myths. He reflects on the many paths (and errors) from first draft to finished painting, and on the process of filming, acting, discarding, and rehearsing. His A Natural History of the Studio is not only a mustread for the admirers of his art, but also a unique book on the creative process, filled with philosophical reflections. It takes a challenging and critical look at the world and the condition humaine.