El Anatsui Freedom, 2021 Aluminium, copper wire and nylon string Work: 310 x 893 cm
The work Freedom takes its title from El Anatsui's first major solo exhibition with
Goodman Gallery Cape Town. Bringing together a new body of work, the exhibition
reflected Anatsui’s focus on scale, continuing his method of using materials
ubiquitous and relevant to his environment. The exhibition title is a nod to Anatsui’s
monumental tapestry of the same. In Freedom traces and outlines weave
themselves into striking patterns that recall cartographic entanglements. An
arrangement of aluminium, copper wire and nylon string creates pathways and
routes that challenge spatial contours. Three birds are reflected in the work, which
Anatsui refers to as “birds of freedom” or “birds with the freedom to soar” that
challenge the many rules and regulations that restrict the free movement of people.
