Approaching the canvas without certainty

Still from Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot, Episode 5: As If, 2022, HD Video, 27 min 29 sec © William Kentridge. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2024. Courtesy the artist, Goodman Gallery and Hauser & Wirth.

Following the session where we were introduced to some of the work by William Kentridge, I began investigating more of his work. I came across his recent exhibition at Arsenale Institute for Politics of Representation in Venice, where he collaborates with curator Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, to premiere his new nine-episode video series, ‘Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot.’

I was intrigued by his multi-disciplinary approach to his work, particularly his use of animation, which felt almost reaffirming as I often like to present my own work within the context of film and audio. At this point, I felt there was a lot I could learn from Kentridge’s art practice and general methods of presentation. I also loved his method of play; with a constant state of exploration and experimentation in his work.

I decided to approach a canvas board with the same sense of uncertainty and playfulness, which had been largely inspired by group discussions in our weekly seminar. I was keen and excited to see how this would play out, whilst also questioning whether the outcome would be affected by my mindset or mood at the time - I suspect it was.

The result so far using a limited colour palette of acrylic paint and a sponge on an 18”x24” canvas board.

I would not usually use a sponge to apply paint to the canvas, but in that moment I really wanted to capture the texture of the paint and bring it alive as it were. I was very pleased with the outcome, particularly the textures as can be seen in the close up image. I am not sure at this stage whether I am going to leave it there or perhaps use it as a background for further work, but of course, I don’t want to overthink it!

A close up section of the colours and textures within the painting.