In a notable development in the art world, renowned South African artist William Kentridge has signed with mega-gallery Hauser & Wirth, signalling a shift in his longstanding artistic representation.
With over two decades of collaboration with the Marian Goodman Gallery, Kentridge embarks on a new chapter, aligning himself with Hauser & Wirth’s extensive global network.
Kentridge’s decision to join Hauser & Wirth comes on the heels of his December 2022 exhibition with the gallery, featuring 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.
As part of this transition, Kentridge will maintain ties with Goodman Gallery in South Africa and the UK, as well as Galleria Lia Rumma in Naples, Italy. However, his collaboration with Marian Goodman Gallery, his dealer for the past 25 years, will come to a close.
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.
Emily Jane Kirwan, a partner at Marian Goodman Gallery, attributes Kentridge’s shift to a transitional phase in his career. She notes that his recent focus on large theatrical performances and films, such as “Oh To Believe in Another World,” has played a pivotal role in this decision.
In a statement, Iwan Wirth, co-president of Hauser & Wirth, acknowledges the honor of Kentridge joining the gallery, 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.
Marian Goodman Gallery, currently in a transitional period, witnessed Kentridge’s emergence as a museum artist with solo exhibitions in prestigious institutions globally. Goodman’s succession plan involves a new team of partners, while Kentridge’s departure reflects the evolving dynamics in the art world.
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.
