William Kentridge’s latest work, Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot, will be available for global streaming on MUBI starting October 18th, 2024. This nine-episode film series was shot in Kentridge’s Johannesburg studio during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and blends hand-drawn animations, collage, performance, and music. The series explores themes of isolation, creativity, and artistic freedom, drawing inspiration from early cinema figures like Charlie Chaplin and Dziga Vertov.
Kentridge, a South African artist renowned for his work in animated drawings, sculpture, theater, and opera, uses this series to reflect on the power of imagination in confined spaces. Each episode presents a unique vignette, combining humor, philosophy, and political commentary. The series invites viewers into Kentridge’s studio, offering an intimate look at the creative process and a meditation on culture, history, and the ways we think today.
Ahead of its release, Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot has been previewed at the Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. A special three-day screening event will take place at the 18th Street Gallery in New York from October 22nd to 24th, 2024, accompanied by discussions with Kentridge and special guests. This release marks a celebration of artistic optimism, highlighting the transformative power of making art.
All images are film stills from Self-Portrait As A Coffee-Pot
