El Anatsui

of logs into a rectangular pile. Then, using common
household paint, he added countless stripes of color to
the end of each log. He hoped a viewer standing before
the work would be “dizzied” by the massive movement
of pattern and texture. He teaches his students, that
when working with humble materials such as logs and
paint, one should bring them together in a manner that
renders them monumental.
Signature in situ at the Cyfuniad Internationa
Artists Workshop in Plas Caerdeon,
Wales, 1999. Wood, paint, dimensions
variable. Collection of the artist, now
destroyed.
Travel is a very important part of Anatsui’s teaching. He
encourages his students to apply for travel grants, artistin-residency
programs, and study abroad opportunities.
He suggests that they should experience the best of
what the world has to offer, and then consider those
influences, along with local art histories, in their studio work.
One of the most important elements in Anatsui’s practice is the element
of chance. His work is often comprised of pieces that can be arranged in a
variety of ways. He encourages the installer to participate in the work by
suggesting placement or order of the final installation. For example, in his
bottle top sculptures, he asks the curator to add vertical and horizontal
gathered points as they see fit. This often opens up different ways of seeing
and reading the same work of art—and in this—new meanings can emerge.
This is a practice he strongly encourages his students to follow as well.
Most importantly, rather than asking his students to copy or mimic an
“Anatsui style” he teaches a way of seeing the world, a process of art making,
and encourages individual artistic vision. He has taught generations of
artists to consider process. In sum, these are the primary strategies Professor
Anatsui has conveyed to his many students over the last four decades:
• Pull from your personal history for inspiration
• Look to your environment for materials and give them the opportunity
to be more than just humble fragments
• Travel when you can and bring all your experiences to bear on your work
• Allow for the possibility of chance—something new and wonderful may
come of it
6 EL ANATSUI EDUCATOR’S GUIDE