The piece that I chose to share is a work of African art by El Anatsui. His latest works have been made from recycled bottle caps and scrap metals which he collects in the town where he has resided the last 28 years: Nsukka, Nigeria. Usually they are constructed into quilt-like creations, all out o the metal scraps. Using the discarded scarp to form into art is a reflection of the African culture, who with limited resources recycle most everything and find uses for most everything.
The specific piece that I chose of Anatsui’s galleries is called Blue Moon. It differs from most of his work in that it is a landscape. Still constructed from scraps, it has a greater aesthetic appeal in my opinion, and less of a cultural or political feel. When interviewed about this landscaping choice, Anatsui said the idea of a moon came to him, he did not want to make it yellow as was common, choosing blue instead. His thoughts wandered to the concept of a blue moon and evolved into the landscape from there, keeping the theme of melancholy with leafless trees. Later he reveals that there was perhaps a memory attached to the concept as his college band learned a song titled Blue Moon. I was interested in choosing a piece of African art because I have had the opportunity to spend time in Africa. In 2004 I spent two weeks in Uganda, Africa and have since had interest in the African cultures. This piece is beautiful, i don’t know what exactly it is about it that has me so captivated, but I love it. The colors, the lines, the movement. It all works for me. The interview where I found the information can be listened to at the website: http://www.nmafa.si.edu/exhibits/gawu/artworks.html
