He’s one of our favourite artists (especially for his iconic dancing Zumas) and a lecturer – and, with his partner Mary Sibande, he’s part of the Occupying the Gallery team. They’re making the most brilliant, practical difference to upskilling young artists, and are also involved with the First Light Project, where art and medicine have collided.
Non-profit Hope for the Blind is providing critical cataract operations, and a bunch of artists, including William Kentridge and Sibande, have donated works to fundraise for the project. They’re also pivoting around the idea of creating an in-hospital gallery, opening up the world of wonderful art to people who have not been able to see.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?
I have recently been interested in history and how it’s told. But I have also been interested in history that has our full attention versus the history of Africa, notions such as “deep dark Africa”, and tracing those threads back to the influential philosopher Georg Hegel and later Hugh Trevor-Roper, who applied the same judgment. Elif Shafak’s writings have become interesting in her encouragement to read the silences. The places where there is seemingly expressionless din, that’s where some of these stories are buried under the weight of Western history.
How do you keep fit?
I have a nine-year-old son who involves me in his activities. I sometimes supplement these with walks.
Weekday, low-key restaurant go-to? What do you order?
The sirloin prego and fries at Pantry by Marble is my latest want.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
Perfect Lovers by Felix Gonzalez-Torres.
What do you regret most?
That I did not travel enough when I had the energy.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
The multitude of books that I have collected along the way but have not read.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Sade.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
Independence Cha Cha, by Grand Kallé and L’African Jazz; If I Ruled the World, by Nas; and So Hooked on Your Lovin, by Selace.
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