Three abstract sculptures are displayed on a grassy area, set against a cloudy sky. The first sculpture features dynamic, twisted forms; the second is a stylised figure in motion; the third depicts a figure with a large, flowing cape. Lush greenery surrounds them.
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William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity

– Underground Gallery, Outdoors

About William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity

This summer we are thrilled to be presenting a major exhibition by South African artist William Kentridge. It marks the first museum presentation outside South Africa to focus on his sculpture.

Comprising over 40 works made between 2007 and 2024, this ambitious project fills the Underground Gallery, with outdoor works presented in the surrounding gardens.

Over the last two decades, sculpture has increasingly become a key part of Kentridge’s practice, taking drawing into three dimensions and developing from puppetry, film and stage props. This exciting new exhibition includes a selection of the artist’s sculpture from this period across different scales and media, including bronze, steel, paper, cardboard, plaster, wood and found objects.

4 Stars

"The lush acres of Yorkshire Sculpture Park felt like a natural choice for Kentridge to celebrate form and scale."

-

Hannah Silver, Wallpaper*

  • A spacious gallery features several abstract black sculptures displayed on wooden platforms. Natural light filters through large windows, illuminating the minimalist interior with stone walls and a green bench, creating a serene artistic atmosphere.
  • An art gallery featuring a large white abstract sculpture with looping forms at its centre. Surrounding it are smaller sculptures in various colours and styles displayed on wooden tables, against a contrasting black wall.
  • Three bronze sculptures which appear to be made from cardboard are displayed on a wooden table. The first resembles a box, the second features a circular shape, and the third is designed like a fan. Each piece is draped with fabric, adding texture to the display.

Several works are on display for the first time, including a new commission of six monumental coloured sculptures, Paper Procession, on parade in YSP’s historic landscape.

Here you will also experience the first institutional presentation of Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot (2020-24), a series of films whose production began during the first Covid-19 lockdown, as well as the UK museum debut of the 7-channel film, More Sweetly Play the Dance (2015).

In the landscape, several large-scale bronzes are shown against the backdrop of a curving early 19th-century brick wall of the Bothy Garden. Each over three metres in height, these sculptures include a striding figure with megaphone head, an ampersand, and a cat.

Read the press release to find out more.

4 Stars

"From a goat sculpture to a giant bronze ampersand, via a filmed argument about sardines between two Kentridges, there is no rest for this dazzling artist’s imagination."

-

Jonathan Jones, The Guardian 

  • A large abstract sculpture in bright yellow stands against a backdrop of neatly trimmed green hedges. The sculpture features angular, fragmented shapes stacked vertically, creating a dynamic and modern artistic presence in the outdoor space.
  • A large, black sculpture of a stylised animal with sharp spikes, positioned on a white plinth. The creature appears to be crawling forward, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a brick wall, creating a striking contrast.
  • A large, abstract sculpture of an ampersand symbol stands on a white pedestal in a grassy area. The backdrop features rolling hills and a cloudy sky, creating a serene outdoor setting. The sculpture is dark and smooth, contrasting with the landscape.

William Kentridge is known for his work across a range of media, including drawing, animated films, theatre and opera productions. His practice questions grand narratives from history, politics, science, literature and music, alongside an ongoing interrogation of the legacy of colonialism. His work references avant-garde movements such as Dada and Surrealism in his celebration of the illogical and darkly humorous. Kentridge has lived in Johannesburg throughout his life and his work is inextricably connected to the sociopolitical history and life of South Africa.

  • A wooden sculpture of a person riding a horse stands on a crate in an art studio. Behind it, a wall is adorned with various artworks and text, including maps and diagrams, creating a vibrant and eclectic backdrop.
  • In a dimly lit gallery, three visitors observe large screens displaying monochrome animated figures. Two people sit on wooden benches, while a third stands, all captivated by the striking visuals. Studio lights illuminate the scene.
  • An art installation featuring two large screens displaying a gallery scene with various artworks. A sculptural figure stands on a small table, while a vintage spotlight illuminates the space, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the Sakana Foundation, Goodman Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, and Lia Rumma Gallery. Supported by the kind philanthropy of the William Kentridge Exhibition Circle. Logistics partner: Crozier Fine Arts. Additional support: Stonehage Fleming.

William Kentridge Exhibition Circle: Anonymous Supporters; The Bukhman Foundation; Meena Chugani; Werner Dubach and Ruth Müller-Stein; E-Len and David Fu; Jill Hackel and Andrzej Zarzycki; and Scheherazade Collection.

Exhibition Accessibility

The exhibition is located in the Underground Gallery and outdoors in the surrounding garden. There are three gallery spaces within the Underground Gallery, with flat access throughout.

Gallery one and gallery 3 are lit with both natural and artificial light. Gallery two is a dark room, lit by seven screens showing films with moving images and audio played through speakers. Ear defenders are available to borrow if required.

Accessibility Resources

The following resources are available for this exhibition. If you would like to make use of any of them, just ask a member of YSP staff.

  • Large Print interpretation
  • Braille interpretation
  • Coloured transparencies for reading
  • Ear Defenders (these are also available at the YSP Information Desk)
  • Timers

Handling Materials

The artwork in this exhibition is too delicate to touch, so handling materials are available for visitors to feel and hold instead.

Family activities

In the Underground Gallery, you’ll find a variety of creative activities designed to help you and your own family connect to the themes and artworks in the exhibition. Make sure to visit The Studio at the far end of the gallery, where you'll find a host of activities for all ages to enjoy together, a related collection of books or learn more about William Kentridge’s practice..

Families with young children can enjoy drawing, making and chatting together, using our playful Activity Baskets which can be found inside the gallery. Pick up an activity card to help you explore, or download them below to help you prepare for your visit.

An excited child using red plastic cones to create a sculpture. They are in an indoor space with black and white photographs on the walls.

Drawing Together Activity


A child holding a square wooden viewfinder to his face.

Talking Together Activity

William Kentridge Events

  1. A woman holds a child as they admire a large, abstract sculpture made of curved, white forms. The sculpture is set against a dark background, and the woman points towards a specific part of the artwork, engaging the child’s curiosity.
    Event

    Sculpture Baby: William Kentridge

    Spend creative time with your baby and enjoy this sensory session inspired by the William Kentridge exhibition in the Underground Gallery.
  2. A storyteller crouches in front of a wooden box filled with colourful objects.
    Event

    Storytelling in the Gallery: William Kentridge

    –
    Led by our spellbinding storytellers, move, make and imagine together, inspired by the William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity exhibition.
  3. A group of people practising yoga in a spacious room. Two women are in the foreground, one in a black top and the other in a white sweatshirt, both in a cobra pose. Others are visible in the background, engaged in various yoga positions.
    Event

    Yoga and Sound Bath Relaxation: William Kentridge

    –
    Join us for a yoga practice in the Underground Gallery, surrounded by inspirational artworks by William Kentridge.

William Kentridge Products

Browse the William Kentridge collection at YSP Shop.

  1. William Kentridge: Concertina Postcard

    £6.00
    More info

  2. William Kentridge: Mantlepiece Card

    £10.00
    More info

  3. William Kentridge: Postcard Pack

    £12.00
    More info

  4. William Kentridge: A Brief Weightlessness

    £450.00
    More info

  5. William Kentridge: Greetings Card Pack

    £12.00
    More info

  6. William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity

    £450.00
    More info

  7. William Kentridge: Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot

    £90.00
    More info

  8. William Kentridge: The Pull of Gravity Exhibition Guide

    £3.00
    More info

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