El Anatsui : Untitled (2008)

El Anatsui : Untitled (2009)

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

El Anatsui : Wastepaper Bins (2004)

El Anatsui : Dusas II (2007)

El Anatsui (born 1944) is a Ghanaian sculptor active for much of his career in Nigeria. Anatsui's preferred media are clay and wood, which he uses to create objects based on traditional Ghanaian beliefs and other subjects. He has cut wood with chainsaws and blackened it with acetylene torches; more recently, he has turned to installation art. Some of his works resemble woven cloths such as kente cloth. Over this week I'll try and show a range of his work with his most recent pieces including recycled materials.