William Kentridge - Photo: Google Arts & Culture
Renowned artist William Kentridge has received the esteemed 2024 International Folkwang Prize, celebrating his transformative impact on the world of art and culture. Since 2010, the Folkwang-Museumsverein has honored influential figures whose work echoes the innovative ideals of Karl Ernst Osthaus. Known as a pioneering German art collector and cultural reformer, Osthaus founded the Museum Folkwang in 1902 with a mission to bring art and everyday life closer together. His vision promoted art as a tool for social change and a means to broaden public access to creative expression. Previous awardees, such as Hans Ulrich Obrist, Okwui Enwezor, and Barbara Klemm, reflect this legacy, each contributing significantly to the advancement of art and culture on the world stage. The prize was officially presented on November 4, 2024, during a ceremony held in Essen, Germany.
Born in Johannesburg in 1955, Kentridge has become renowned for his innovative and thought-provoking works. He rose to prominence in the 1990s with animated films based on charcoal drawings that delve into South Africa’s complex history. His oeuvre spans prints, sculptures, and tapestries, each grappling with themes of colonialism, justice, and human dignity. His contributions to the performing arts—ranging from puppet theater to major opera productions—demonstrate his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and blending genres.
True to the Folkwang philosophy of blending art and life, Kentridge has made public engagement a cornerstone of his practice, using immersive video installations to openly share his artistic journey and thought processes. His commitment to art with social impact is especially evident in his founding of The Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg with Bronwyn Lace in 2016. This innovative space has not only nurtured emerging African artists but also fostered critical dialogues on identity, colonialism, and social justice. Kentridge’s unique approach, which merges visual storytelling with political introspection, has reshaped how art can confront history and influence public consciousness, setting him apart as an artist who truly transforms both local and global perspectives.
This prestigious €10,000 prize underscores Kentridge’s exceptional influence, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. Marion Ackermann, Director of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, delivered the laudatory speech. Additionally, in celebration of his 70th birthday, Museum Folkwang and Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden will present a joint exhibition of his work, opening in Essen and Dresden in September 2025.
