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
This is an interesting piece of art, mainly because how nontraditional it seems. I agree with what you said about it being mainly aesthetic, which doesn’t make it any less important piece in any way. Looking at it, its hard to tell whats going on, but I think it makes it more appealing. It is also cool that he made this piece from scraps, even more interesting the scraps are from where he lives, do you think it means anything or just the scraps being easily assessable?
I have to wonder if this author is using recycled materials from the African trash heaps from developing countries I always see publicized on television. If so this could be not only a commentary recycling and reusing discarded things buy on reconstructing a world from the refuse of another. I find it difficult to distinguish this work as a landscape and not just some lines and a circle, but the lighting in the picture really helps to add some depth to the work. How was this work held together, was it glued or stitched? I also wonder if the work is rigid or soft, depending on the answer to that it could change appearance depending on how and where it was displayed. It is an interesting piece and I appreciate you sharing it with the class.
I just saw a work by El Anatasui at the Seattle Art Museum – very similar in construction – it is stitched, or maybe tied is a better term. My guess is that the artist doesn’t have to go far to get his materials. The work I saw used the bottom part of the cap – the part that is left on the bottle when you unscrew it. I would guess (based on my travels) that the bottles used in Africa are glass, and they ARE recycled, and in fact there is a deposit on bottles. The bottom portion of the cap id left on the bottles and then removed when they bottles are recycled. I imagine he has a direct hook-up with the beer/soda/milk recycling areas.
A great piece. I like the concept of art from recycled materials. I think that the piece has a very traditional look with a fresh perspective and non-traditional materials. Thanks for sharing this piece.
Nice choice! I too choose to showcase african art but didn’t see yours in my search. I really like that he was able to use recycled material and make it into such a captivating peice. I don’t really see the blue moon that he does but then, of course, I am the first to acknowledge my lack of vision.
Did you really spend time in Uganda? That really makes my research seem paltry.
OH WOW!
This piece is so so so gorgeous! I first thought it was an abstract, then I read that about it being a landscape, so I looked again, and there it was! I’m used to seeing really abstract found/recycled material and/or fiber sculptural pieces, so I think that was what I was mentally prepared to see. Its amazing how our pre-conceptions can influence our vision.
The landscape is so clear, and so evocative, and the blue moon is SUCH a powerful image. I liked the piece from the first, but seeing it for what it is, is just gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing! Well written blog.