El Anatsui(Born 1944)

Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a sovereign state and unitary presidential constitutional republic located on the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean in West Africa.

They Finally Broke the Pot of Wisdom2011Aluminum liquor bottle caps and copper wire186 x 276 inches

Society & Culture• Social Commentary

• Many artists use their art to depict ways of life during particular periods of time. These artworks record various lifestyles and daily experiences of people at work and at play. By studying these artworks, students understand the different ways daily experiences are interpreted and used as sources of inspiration by artists.

Society & Culture• Cultural Commentary

• The preservation of one’s heritage and culture has been a concern for many artists. These artists have used their artworks to express their feelings and experiences of different cultural practices and heritage. By studying these artworks, students understand how artists made reference to their culture in their artworks.

How does El Anatsui’s work address the theme of Society and Culture?

What is the significance of the use of bottle caps in his work?

How does Anatsui’s work reflect the tradition of his culture?

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I7XZL9KjFQ

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d3RIE195JI

Using the links below to find out more about El Anatsui. With the information gathered, put together your responses to the three questions presented.

• http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/arts/design/a-million-pieces-of-home-el-anatsui-at-brooklyn-museum.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

• http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2013/02/10/arts/design/20130210-anatsui.html