El Anatsui, Theory of Se

Themes and titles of El Anatsui’s works are profound, poetic and deeply loaded with references to his origin and cultural background. The word “Se” means fate, fortune and destiny. Within this theme, the artist explores three states of mind: affirmation, intimation, and revelation.

The form of hundreds of liquor bottle tops woven into a tapestry-like sculpture attempts to explore the meanings of Se, representing how each component plays a role in forecasting the fate, fortune, and destiny of an individual.

The sculptures’ formal language is another key to understanding the aesthetic sensibilities of Anatsui’s work. Elements of colour and the three-dimensional qualities break down the definition of conventional painting and sculpture. A large, fluid, colourful installation draped over the wall is visually overwhelming. Voluminous, undulated folds and luminous colours invite viewers to touch and walk around the work, viewing it from all angles. The form’s playfulness and the freedom to shape the works before and after installation are reflective of the openness and fluid aspects of Anatsui’s work.

Additionally, the repetitively hand-stitched bottle caps evoke the cultural tradition of handcraft. Although the material comes from mass-produced products, there’s no industrial feeling to it. Hints of the touch and craft of human hands are embedded into the work, bringing a sense of emotion and contemplation.

Rich in interpretation, the liquor bottle caps also comment on colonial history in Africa. It references the trans-Atlantic slave trade, as alcohol was one of the commodities Europeans brought to Africa for the exchange of goods. Anatsui’s work is a constant reflection of the past and an attempt toward awareness of the future.

Leitmotif of his work is based on the essence of “sankofa”, which means, “return and get it”. As the artist explains, it’s not a wholesale return to the past, nor is it a total exclusion of external influences. His work is a link to the past and the future. The artist transforms everyday materials into a work of art by seamlessly incorporating the cultural, historical, philosophical context of his origins, and enabling it to speak to global audiences.