Enjoy Ghanaian Art and Cultural history at The British Museum

‘Man’s Cloth’ by El Anatsui [2001]

Art by Owusu Ankomah [2006]

‘Kokrobite’ by Atta Kwami [2007]

‘Kente Rhapsody’ by El Anatsui [2001] –with Ghanaian Kente from the 20th Century [Adwineasa] in the background.

King Alex and I went to The British Museum to see their newly extended African Collection –and we were pleasantly surprised to discover a whole section on Ghanaian Art and Culture comprising: ‘funky coffins’, drums, royal swords [and other royal regalia’s], photographs of Ghanaians, funeral artifacts, stools –and much more on the ground floor. The basement was awe inspiring with art work by uber Ghanaian artists -El Anatsui, Atta Kwami and Owusu Ankomah. The British Museum also carries an extensive array of Kentes, masks, and art from other African countries. Presently, they have a fabulous exhibition about the ‘Kingdom of Ife’ [a must for all African art lovers]. For more information about The British Museum please visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
020 7323 8000

Home & Art: El Anatsui’s wall hanging.......

I’m loving the golden wall hanging by uber artist El Anatsui on the wall of Rosita Missoni[founder of fashion house Missoni]’s home. Rosita Missoni’s beautiful sitting room demonstrates perfectly – how to display [and decorate with] African art in the home.... [Photo: House & Garden magazine]

Art: Brahim El Anatsui (El Anatsui)

First piece of art: Society Woman’s Cloth, (2004) Second piece of art: Wastepaper Bags, (2004)

"Art grows out of each particular situation and I believe that artists are better off working with whatever their environment throws up." El Anatsui

I first saw El Anatsui's work at The British Museum and was mezmorized. El Anatsui's (was born in Anyako, and trained at the College of Art, University of Science and Technology, in Kumasi) - installations are breath taking -on a grand scale. The piece [I saw] at The British Museum resembled a giant, diamond encrusted rug- from afar, -and on closer inspection, -millions of discarded everyday objects -such as bottle tops and flattened food tins -all woven together to create an incredible sculptural -tapestry (like a traditional kente cloth). Described by Britain's The Independent -as one of the fifty greatest cultural figures shaping the continent -El Anatsui is one of Africa’s most prolific sculptors -and is noted, for taking organic mediums such as wood, metal and clay -and transforming them into powerful (and evocative) visual presentations. El Anatsui is currently Professor of Sculpture, at the University of Nigeria. www.elanatsui.com