El Anatsui : Venice Biennale (2011)

“The works unmistakably refer to African traditional cultural practices and forms at the same time that they transcend them. The alchemical transformation of discarded metal fragments into art provides a sobering reminder of the mixed consequences of former colonialism, current globalization, rampant consumerism and waste. But this opulent beauty exudes power beyond political argument, embodying some hope for the way humans can change damage into progress. Says Anatsui, ‘I am changing the meaning of bottle caps. Metaphorically I am working with the lifting of the spirits.’” – Alexandra Anderson-Spivy, Artnet