William Kentridge's 'Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot' streams on MUBI
William Kentridge's nine-episode video series 'Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot' is now streaming exclusively on MUBI after the platform acquired global rights. The work, shot during the pandemic in Kentridge's Johannesburg studio, combines hand-drawn animation, collage, performance, and music with dialogues with collaborators and doppelgangers. It was previously presented at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, and the 2024 Venice Biennale. Kentridge describes the series as embodying 'the optimism of making' and offering viewers a sense of possibility. The artist, founder of the Centre for the Less Good Idea, emphasizes the intrinsic optimism in transforming a blank page into something complete. The streaming release follows the sale of limited-edition copies through Kentridge's galleries.
Key facts
- William Kentridge created 'Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot' as a nine-episode video series.
- The series was shot during the pandemic in his atelier in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- It combines hand-drawn animation, collage, performance, and music.
- The work was previously shown at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, and the 2024 Venice Biennale.
- MUBI acquired exclusive global streaming rights for the series.
- Limited-edition copies of the work were sold through Kentridge's galleries.
- Kentridge is the founder of the Centre for the Less Good Idea.
- The series is described as defending 'the optimism of making'.
Entities
Artists
- William Kentridge
Institutions
- MUBI
- Toronto International Film Festival
- BFI London Film Festival
- Centre for the Less Good Idea
Locations
- Johannesburg
- South Africa
- Venice
- Italy