If you are in the Denver area, stop by the Denver Art Museum to see When I Last Wrote To You About Africa by African artist, El Anatsui. I found it to be truly inspirational. To see his beautiful hanging pieces in person is a marvel. There is a lovely DVD and book available as well. His advice to students:
- Pull from your personal history or inspiration
- Look for materials in the immediate environment
- Travel and bring your travel experience to bear in your work
- Allow for the possibility of something unexpected and wonderful to happen
And I love this quote from his film, "Fold, Crumple, Crush".
"One of the things I want my work to be about is life itself. And life is a mystery. So I want my art to reflect that mystery."
Wise words to any artist. Happy Monday! I hope mystery and inspiration are revealed to you this week!
El’s words: “…once you pick a media,you stick with it ….”
Truly food for thought.
Thank you for sharing this gem.
Wow amazing!!! Thank you for sharing this
I enjoyed this exhibit SO much Fran! He was at the Museum when we first saw it and was such a treat to hear him speak of his work. Didn’t love the video of watching his crew make the crushed, crumpled and folded bits!
x..x
Saw this in Denver last week. It is absolutely glorious… hah?