Triumphs and Laments by William Kentridge

14th October 2016 | 6 - 7.30 pm | Brunei Gallery Lecture TheatreSOAS, University of London | WC1H 0XG

Triumphs & Laments is an ephemeral project by leading South African artist William Kentridge. Pollution and biological growth, which darken the marble stones of the walls containing the Tiber River were washed away to reveal a series of images: Marcus Aurelius from the Campidoglio, Rome as a widow from a 14th century illuminated manuscript, a newspaper photograph of the dead Pasolini.

The drawings on the wall gather moments and characters from the present day back to Rome’s founding myth, to participate in a slow motion performance along the 500 m stretch of the river wall that they traverse.For the concert that coincided with the completion of the frieze, Philip Miller gathered two groups of musicians, each group beginning their performance 500 m apart at the two bridges marking the limits of the frieze: a Triumph and a Lament, passing through one another.

In his talk, Kentridge will outline this gargantuan site-specific engagement, touching on the challenges he faced and on the formal and narrative devices he used in his reflection on the successes (Triumphs) and tragedies (Laments) that have marked the history of Rome.

The event will be followed by a reception.

Secure your free place on eventbrite: bit.ly/2cJBn6m

This event is organised in collaboration with Sotheby’s Institute of Art