Junkyard Art
El Anatsui Gives Ordinary Materials Extraordinary Purpose
Born in Ghana, El Anatsui didn't always have access to fresh canvas and pricey oil pants. Solution? He learned to manipulate timber, metal, and other scrap elements into sculptures that represent his colorful heritage & homeland.
At age 64, Anatsui has traveled the world with his creations, and his work is currently housed in some the most prestigious museums including the Met, the Smithsonian, and the Nigeria National Art Gallery. His most recent tour took him to Tokyo, where I was able to view his work among others in the Africa Remix exhibition. It takes a talented artist to envision greatness from garbage.
