ARTWORK EXAMPLE #1
GLI (WALL)
Anatsui became interested in the notion of walls as religious, political, and social constructs after visiting Berlin, Germany. The word "Gli" can mean "wall", "disrupt", or "story" in the Ewe language to which his ancestors are native. About Gli, Anatsui states “Walls are meant to block views, but they block only the view of the eye—the ocular view— not the imaginative view. When the eye scans a certain barrier, the imagination tends to go beyond that barrier. Walls reveal more things than they hide" (Exhibitions: Gravity and Grace, 2013).
Kevin Dumouchelle is the Associate Curator of the Arts of Africa. On Anatsui's work, he explains "His work challenges our expectations of what sculpture can do" (Vitullo-Martin, 2013). El Anatsui uses Gli to transform rigid materials into something malleable, flexible, and free. By using the form of a wall, El Anatsui transforms the space and dimensions of the gallery into something completely different. Viewers are struck with an experience of being able to see through the walls as light passes through but also experience a disconnect as a barrier is put up in front of them. El Anatsui exemplifies an incredible portrayal of change as he changes the material - ordinary trash and recycled materials - into an entire artistic experience (Harrington & Rojo, 2013).
I love this piece by Anatsui because I keep thinking about how incredible the experience must be to see it in person. It is a beautiful example of the dynamic nature of the walls, and the ability an artist has to change not only the meaning of a material but also the space in a gallery. The walls put up a barrier for the viewer but because of the material, are still somewhat transparent. I would love to be able to experience looking through and around the sculptures. The material catches and reflects the light to create an overall bronze tone, however looking at detail there is an array of colors throughout the installation.
Kevin Dumouchelle is the Associate Curator of the Arts of Africa. On Anatsui's work, he explains "His work challenges our expectations of what sculpture can do" (Vitullo-Martin, 2013). El Anatsui uses Gli to transform rigid materials into something malleable, flexible, and free. By using the form of a wall, El Anatsui transforms the space and dimensions of the gallery into something completely different. Viewers are struck with an experience of being able to see through the walls as light passes through but also experience a disconnect as a barrier is put up in front of them. El Anatsui exemplifies an incredible portrayal of change as he changes the material - ordinary trash and recycled materials - into an entire artistic experience (Harrington & Rojo, 2013).
I love this piece by Anatsui because I keep thinking about how incredible the experience must be to see it in person. It is a beautiful example of the dynamic nature of the walls, and the ability an artist has to change not only the meaning of a material but also the space in a gallery. The walls put up a barrier for the viewer but because of the material, are still somewhat transparent. I would love to be able to experience looking through and around the sculptures. The material catches and reflects the light to create an overall bronze tone, however looking at detail there is an array of colors throughout the installation.