Kentridge's 'Triumphs and Laments' to Debut in Rome

William Kentridge, the South African artist born in Johannesburg in 1955, was the featured guest at the fourth installment of 'Il Gioco Serio dell'Arte' at Palazzo Barberini in Rome, hosted by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory. The series, now in its tenth edition, is organized by Il Gioco del Lotto. Kentridge, described by Flory as an 'all-around artist,' discussed his artistic practice, which blends semantic depth with social commentary. Raised in a Jewish family in South Africa, he confronted racial issues from childhood, exploring conflicts and potential solutions. The evening's theme was migration, reflecting Kentridge's own movement across techniques, questioning whether multiple methods strengthen discourse or reveal individual weaknesses. A major project for Rome, 'Triumphs and Laments,' will be inaugurated on April 21, 2016. This multimedia work, complementing an eight-panel piece for Milan, spans 550 meters along the Tiber River between Ponte Sisto and Ponte Mazzini, featuring 80 figures chosen for narrative rather than historical continuity. The geo-resistant installation depicts Rome's history in light and shadow, with simple, clean drawings that evoke complex reflections on life and art. The figures appear to float on the ancient stone walls like ghosts, embodying Kentridge's quest for beauty in every moment.