Process Art

Process Art, an artistic movement of the mid-1960's, has always been an interest of mine. Process Art is defined as a creative sentiment in which the end product is not the principle focus, and quite often the process is apparent in the end product. I have always found the journey more rewarding than the outcome. All discoveries and new ideas are created along the way.

William Kentridge, a recent feature on Art21, is a man of process. He is best known for his animated films, which are an obvious representation of process. However, William also shows process with his drawings. The constant drawing and erasing marks are apparent, but represent part of his creative process.

 

In the Art21 film, william kentridge: anything is possible (2010), William takes the viewers into his world of process. Like any artist, his process is unique. A piece titled "Black Box" caught my attention for its interaction of serious and play. For this piece, Kentridge created a miniature theater with mechanical characters performing behind a screen. The use of miniatures to express serious themes such as war, death, violence, etc. is fascinating to me. Kentridge also invites the viewer to enjoy the process behind the piece by allowing all mechanical aspects to be seen.

Trailer for william kentridge: anything is possible: 

(full version can be viewed on Art21 website)