凯歌与挽歌

William Kentridge's ambitious and controversial project, Triumphs and Laments, is a colossal frieze along the banks of the Tiber river in Rome, depicting the glories and tragedies of the Eternal City. The film, shot with exclusive access to Kentridge over two years, details his vision and creative process in developing this work of art that will disappear in just a few years. The frieze is a massive installation that stretches for hundreds of meters along the banks of the Tiber, showcasing the city's history and culture through the eyes of its most famous artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Each panel depicts a different moment in the city's history, from its founding as a Roman colony in 753 BCE to its current status as a global financial center. Kentridge's approach to the project was both innovative and controversial. He wanted to create a piece that would be both visually stunning and emotionally impactful, but also one that would be easily forgotten in a few years. To achieve this, he spent two years working tirelessly on the project, traveling from South Africa to Rome to capture the perfect imagery and perspective. The result is a breathtaking display of human creativity and artistic expression, a testament to the power of human imagination and the enduring nature of our shared experiences. As Kentridge himself put it, "This is my attempt to make something that will last forever, but also something that will be forgotten within a few years."