William Kentridge; Practical Epistemology

About this Item

William Kentridge
South African 1955-
Practical Epistemology
signed, numbered 14/16 in pencil and embossed with the Artist Proof Studio chopmark in the margin
screenprint on found dictionary page
43,5 by 55,5cm excluding frame; 59 by 71,5 by 4cm including frame

Notes

The term ‘epistemology’ means ‘a theory of knowledge’ and refers to its methods, validity, and scope. By adding the adjective ‘practical’, Kentridge refers to how he applies a particular medium: it’s about “giving over to the medium. Allowing a space for the medium to lead”.

“Practical Epistemology demands constant reviewing, rewinding, checking. The idea is never enough. It is how it is achieved”. A new set of possibilities emerges while performing repeated actions. Whether filming, drawing, printmaking or sculpting, Practical Epistemology requires that the artist’s every action, rehearsal, performance or product be constantly reinterpreted and reconstructed.

Source: William Kentridge (2014) Six Drawing Lessons, Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press, page 106 to 108. Contemporary Prints and Multiples South African Text Works on Paper