Summer Show features several large-scale, large-editioned prints by world acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge. Focusing on a body of Kentridge’s work rarely seen in the United States, the majority of the pieces were published in South Africa or Europe, and include a number of recent works created in 2007 – 2008.

Printed to coincide with major exhibitions of his work, these prints integrate iconic images, such as maps and books, or those from his recent operatic endeavors, like rhinoceroses and noses. Thus, together they operate as a comprehensive survey of the past decade of Kentridge’s diverse aesthetics, techniques, media, and formal and thematic concerns. Often incorporating text, they sometimes functioned as advertising vehicles for the exhibitions or performances.

Printed in larger editions than his typical lithographs and etchings, these signed, limited-edition prints serve another purpose as well. In the current frenzy of the contemporary, global art market, Kentridge’s prices have escalated exponentially. These pieces are emblematic of a part of his oeuvre that is still accessible to his original collectors in South Africa, many of whom effectively have been locked out of the market for Kentridge works, due to the phenomenal prices they command. Now, for the first time, the Gallery has brought together many of these works into one exhibition for a whole new US audience to see.

Finally, to highlight some of the most exciting recent work by William Kentridge, we are pleased to have on view his new Stereopticon Suite, complete with 3-D viewing device. Besides these works, Summer Show includes highly collectible, entry-level works by other South African artists such as Peter Clarke, Esther Mahlangu and Raymond Keeping.