William Kentridge's Immersive Video Installation Arrives at Museo Picasso Málaga
A major contemporary artwork is taking temporary residency in Málaga. From 21 November 2024 until 27 April 2025, the Museo Picasso Málaga is presenting More Sweetly Play the Dance, a monumental video installation by the acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge. Featured as part of the museum's "Invited Work" program, this piece offers visitors a deeply sensory and thought-provoking experience that contrasts with the museum's permanent historical collections.
Experiencing Kentridge's Monumental Work in Málaga
For those visiting the museum during its run, this installation offers a complete transformation of the exhibition space. Stretched across an expansive layout of nearly forty meters, the piece is an eight-channel high-definition video projection that runs continuously on a 15-minute loop. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by a panoramic, black-and-white procession of moving figures.
The experience is highly collaborative, featuring choreography by the South African dancer Dada Masilo and a soundtrack performed by the Immanuel Essemblies Brass Band. To plan your visit and secure access, you can find full scheduling on the official exhibition page.
The Meaning Behind the Moving Procession
Kentridge, born in Johannesburg in 1955, is globally recognized for his multi-disciplinary approach, combining charcoal drawing, animation, performance, and music. In this 2015 creation, he utilizes a marching procession as a multi-layered metaphor. The figures moving across the screens suggest various aspects of the human condition: from historical migrations and refugee movements caused by conflict or climate threats, to the somber traditional marches associated with political struggles, such as the history of apartheid in South Africa.
Visually, the artwork relies on Kentridge's signature aesthetic of loose, gestural drawings reminiscent of charcoal sketches. The monochromatic parade of dancers, musicians, and symbolic figures evokes a modern interpretation of the medieval Danse Macabre. However, rather than focusing purely on tragedy, the artist reframes the movement as a powerful dance of survival and endurance, showing the persistent presence of humanity and beauty in difficult circumstances.
A Collaboration with Fundació Sorigué
This presentation in Málaga has been made possible through a collaboration with the Fundació Sorigué, which holds one of the most prominent private contemporary art collections in Spain, including the most extensive repository of William Kentridge's work in Europe.
Whether you are an admirer of modern video art or simply looking to expand your cultural journey through the city, discovering this unique piece provides a profound addition to the traditional Málaga museum circuit. To find more cultural highlights and navigate your journey through the city's artistic landmarks, check out Musemap (musemap.art) where you can browse museums and explore what's on in Málaga during your stay.
