Quote by El Anatsui: “The material is always a pointer to the history of the place.”

This quote explains how everyday objects and chosen art materials can tell profound stories about their origin and culture. Anatsui believes that the materials themselves carry a rich history, revealing insights into the community, economy, and environment they came from, connecting art to its cultural roots.

Anatsui's signature works, such as the large-scale bottle-cap tapestries, gained international prominence around this period. This statement reflects his artistic philosophy, where discarded objects from everyday life are transformed into powerful artworks that speak to African history, consumption, and global trade, as he rose to global recognition.

Ghanaian sculptor and installation artist considered one of the most important visual artists of the contemporary era. Based in Nigeria for most of his career, he is famous for his large-scale tapestry-like works constructed from found metal and bottle caps. His work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale and in major museums worldwide.