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A Natural History of the Studio E1 31 min

1. A Natural History of the Studio

Kentridge introduces viewers to his Johannesburg studio, imagined as an enlarged head where multiple dialogues occur between the artist and himself. He begins interviewing his double, leading to a studio populated by his many selves.

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Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot E2 31 min

2. Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot

Kentridge explores the making of a self-portrait as a means of self-discovery. He welcomes dancer Dada Masilo into his studio and attempts to draw his own figure with a brush attached to a long stick, while his double observes the imperfect outcome.

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Vanishing Points E3 31 min

3. Vanishing Points

Investigating how memory connects to place, Kentridge draws a fictional colonial landscape reminiscent of those from his childhood, while his doppelgänger illustrates his own memories of Johannesburg.

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Finding One’s Fate E4 31 min

4. Finding One’s Fate

Reflecting on a childhood story about Perseus accidentally killing his grandfather, Kentridge contemplates destiny and explores the tale of the Cumaean Sibyl, who revealed people's fates inscribed on falling leaves.

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As If E5 31 min

5. As If

Kentridge paints black curved brushstrokes that align into the shape of a horse from a specific viewpoint. He debates with his doppelgänger, who sits on a tall wooden horse, and collaborates with his team on a large abstract sculpture.

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Harvest of Devotion E6 31 min

6. Harvest of Devotion

Recreating rehearsals from previous performances, Kentridge reads a phonetic poem with performers Hamilton Dlamini, Mncedisi Shabangu, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, and Mica Manganye. They also read John Chilembwe’s 1915 letter advocating for equality in Malawi.

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The Moment Has Gone E7 31 min

7. The Moment Has Gone

Kentridge reflects on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of moments, integrating music and animation to convey the fleeting aspects of memory and experience.

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The Head & The Load E8 31 min

8. The Head & The Load

Drawing from his performance piece of the same name, Kentridge examines the complex histories of African porters during World War I, combining shadow play, music, and narration to highlight overlooked narratives.

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The Procession E9 31 min

9. The Procession

In the concluding episode, Kentridge and his collaborators leave the confines of the studio, led by a marching band, symbolizing a return to the outside world and the culmination of their introspective journey.

Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot poster

Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot (2024)

8.0 (2) 1 Season 35m/ep 2024-10-18 US

Pioneering artist William Kentridge chronicles his creative process during COVID. Interconnected episodes explore culture, history, politics, and profound truths through art-making, inviting viewers into his studio.

Genres: Documentary, Drama

Stars: William Kentridge, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Diego Sillands, Thulani Chauke, Teresa Phuti Mojela