El Anatsui

El Anatsui: Artist Profile

Biography

El Anatsui, born in Anyako, Ghana, in 1944, is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his large-scale sculptures and installations. He studied at the College of Art, University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, and later became a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he taught for over three decades. Anatsui’s work often explores themes of history, culture, and the environment, utilizing found materials and traditional techniques to create visually striking, immersive pieces.

Important Works

• Between Earth and Heaven (2006): A monumental sculpture made from thousands of flattened aluminum bottle caps and copper wire, which can be hung or draped in various configurations. This work marked a significant shift in Anatsui’s practice, as he began to explore the potential of discarded materials to create large, flexible sculptures that blur the lines between painting, sculpture, and textile art.
• Dusasa II (2007): Another large-scale installation, Dusasa II is composed of bottle caps, liquor bottle wrappers, and copper wire. The intricate patterns and shimmering surface of the piece evoke traditional African textiles, while the use of recycled materials speaks to themes of consumption, waste, and the environment.
• Gli (Wall) (2010): An installation made from mirrored panels and bottle caps, Gli (Wall) reflects the viewer and the surrounding space, creating a dynamic, interactive experience. The work addresses themes of division and connection, as the reflective panels both separate and unite the space.

Exhibitions

El Anatsui’s work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world. Some notable exhibitions include:

• El Anatsui: Gawu (2004): A solo exhibition at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., showcasing Anatsui’s early experiments with found materials and his transition towards large-scale installations.
• El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa (2010): A major retrospective organized by the Museum for African Art in New York, which traveled to several institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, and the Denver Art Museum.
• El Anatsui: Gravity and Grace (2012): A solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, New York, featuring Anatsui’s large-scale metal sculptures and installations, as well as a selection of his earlier wood sculptures and ceramic works.

Relevant Info

El Anatsui has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2015 Venice Biennale, the Prince Claus Award in 2009, and the Visionaries! Award from the Museum of Arts and Design in New York in 2007. His work is held in the collections of major institutions, such as the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Centre Pompidou, and the Guggenheim Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What materials does El Anatsui use in his artwork?

A: El Anatsui is known for using found materials, such as aluminum bottle caps, liquor bottle wrappers, and copper wire, in his large-scale sculptures and installations. He also works with wood, ceramics, and other materials in his earlier pieces.

Q: What themes does El Anatsui explore in his work?

A: El Anatsui’s work often addresses themes of history, culture, and the environment. He is particularly interested in exploring the potential of discarded materials to create visually striking, immersive pieces that blur the lines between painting, sculpture, and textile art.

Q: What is El Anatsui’s artistic background?

A: El Anatsui studied at the College of Art, University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. Later, he became a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he taught for over three decades.

Q: How has El Anatsui’s work been received internationally?

A: El Anatsui is an internationally acclaimed artist, with his work exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. He has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2015 Venice Biennale. His artwork is held in the collections of major institutions such as the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Centre Pompidou, and the Guggenheim Museum.