WILLIAM KENTRIDGE (SA, 1955 -)

'EMBOSSER'

1992

COLOUR SCREENPRINT ON PAPER

SHEET SIZE : 150CM X 108CM 

EDITION : /10 (EV - EDITION VARIANT)

HAND SIGNED AND NUMBERED IN PENCIL

EMBOSSED STUDIO CHOPMARK

UNFRAMED

CONDITION : MINT

PRINT ARCHIVAL STORED SINCE PRINTED

"Embosser" is a captivating artwork by the renowned South African artist William Kentridge. The inspiration behind this piece can be traced back to a collection of hand embossers belonging to Kentridge's grandfather, Morris Kentridge. Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, William was deeply fascinated and inspired by these intricate tools.

Morris Kentridge, a lawyer by profession, utilized embossers in his legal practice. The symbolic significance of these tools in the legal world left a lasting impression on the young Kentridge. The act of embossing carries a sense of authority and authenticity, often used to mark official documents and legal papers.

The familial connection to these embossers adds a personal touch to the artwork. William Kentridge's admiration for his grandfather's profession and the tools associated with it is evident in the thematic elements of "Embosser." The artwork becomes a bridge between generations, linking the artist's childhood memories with the tangible artifacts from his family's history.

Moreover, the use of embossers in print studios for limited edition prints on paper adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. The intertwining of legal and artistic practices reflects the dual nature of these tools. Beyond their functional purpose in law, embossers find a place in the world of fine art, contributing to the creation of unique and exclusive prints.

"Embosser" thus becomes a poignant exploration of personal history, professional symbolism, and the intersection of different realms. William Kentridge skillfully weaves together the familial and professional aspects, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of these seemingly mundane yet profoundly meaningful objects. Through his artistic lens, Kentridge transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating a visually compelling and conceptually rich experience for those who engage with "Embosser."

William Kentridge began to focus more on theatrical artworks in the early 1990s, particularly around 1992. This marked a shift in his career as he explored the intersection of visual art and theater, incorporating elements of both into his productions. However, he continued to create art alongside his theatrical endeavors, often blurring the lines between the two disciplines. His prints from the early 1990's are very rare and highly sought after, as fewer prints were published in lower editions.

William Kentridge is a South African artist known for his prints, drawings, and animated films. He was born in Johannesburg in 1955 and studied at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Johannesburg Art Foundation. Kentridge's work often explores the political and social issues of his native South Africa, as well as broader themes of time, memory, and history. He is considered one of the most important contemporary artists working today.