I've Narrowed it Down

Some have shown interest in knowing about the artists I will be studying for my thesis. Well, I've narrowed it down to two non-Western contemporary artists: El Anatsui, born in Ghana, but lives and works in Nigeria, and Rosanna Raymond, born in New Zealand, but now works in London. El Anatsui uses everyday materials and things he finds around him such as wood, nails, wire, and bottle caps. His work reflects much on the history of Africa, but also how that history is reflected in the present. He uses saws and torches to cut and burn into wood, creating a richly textured surface. He makes huge tapesteries, weaving together colorful bottlecaps in strategic patters. The tapestries are paradoxical, both rich and appealing, but also rough to the touch. I am intrigued by El Anatsui's exploration of a painful past through a vibrant and creative means. I was first introduced to El Anatsui's work in the British Museum. They have one of his 'tapestries' hanging in their African galleries. It is a strange feeling to see his contemporary work amongst all the 'traditional' masks, weaponry, and other African 'artifacts.' This is what I hope to explore further. I have been extremely happy to find more of El Anatsui's work in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum and at the October Gallery. The picture here is his work entitled 'Akua's Surviving Children.' It is a comment on the African slave trade. El Anatsui was walking along the shores of Denmark (actually the first country to abolish slavery) and he noticed these planks of wood washing up from the shore. He began collecting them and, after adding some nails and wire to the wood, he situated them to resemble figures. It is powerful to see this piece among the extremely rich collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum. I highly reccommend the following site where you can see more of El Anatsui's work, including his tapestries...

http://www.octobergallery.co.uk/microsites/anatsui/

More to come on New Zealand born artist Rosanna Raymond...