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William Kentridge's 'Zeno Writing' Exhibition at Marian Goodman Gallery

exhibition · 2026-04-22

From November 8, 2002, to January 4, 2003, the Marian Goodman Gallery in New York showcased 'Zeno Writing,' a multimedia endeavor by South African artist William Kentridge. This exhibition featured a brief animated film alongside drawings influenced by Italo Svevo's 1923 work, 'Confessions of Zeno.' Kentridge's film was crafted by erasing and modifying charcoal sketches on a single sheet of paper. The animation presents silhouetted characters that uncover mechanical devices, accompanied by a soundtrack that transitions from melodic chants to intense crescendos. Among the drawings were 'Trieste Drawing I and II' and machine drawings such as 'Object-Pressure Plant.' Kentridge's creations delve into themes of uncertainty and self-destructive tendencies, visually interpreting Svevo's story.

Key facts

  • William Kentridge is a South African artist
  • The exhibition 'Zeno Writing' ran from November 8, 2002, to January 4, 2003
  • It was held at Marian Goodman Gallery at 24 West 57 Street, New York
  • The project includes a short animated film and supporting drawings
  • It is based on Italo Svevo's 1923 novel 'Confessions of Zeno'
  • Kentridge's process involves erasing and reworking charcoal drawings on paper
  • The film features silhouetted figures that are revealed as mechanical apparatuses
  • Drawings in the exhibition include machine drawings and a Ledger series

Entities

Artists

  • William Kentridge
  • Italo Svevo
  • Kara Walker
  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Francis Picabia
  • Marcel Duchamp

Institutions

  • Marian Goodman Gallery
  • artcritical

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • South Africa
  • Trieste

Sources