El Anatsui at Jack Shainman Gallery

18 01 2008

513 W.20th St. New York, NY

I have never heard of the Jack Shainman Gallery, but they are definitely on my radar now. These photos are just a small portion of the gargantuan works by Ghanaian artist, El Anatsui. From the press release, “Drawing on African history and cultural idions, as well as Western art practices, Anatsui uses rigid materials to create seemingly soft and pliable cloth-like structures.” I can’t get over how energetic and engaging these are. When viewed up close you notice that these tapestries are an assortment of bottle caps, twist-ties, metal foil from bottle necks, and other discarded materials. Anatsui should be the poster boy for a recycling campaign! The art historical references and environmental issues don’t really matter to me when in the presence of these structures. I just want to bask in their beauty and stare all day. A lot of people must share my sentiments because it is a sold out show! I do wonder… how many assistants? How long and time consuming? It’s all part of the magic.