Bottle Caps

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Title

Description

El Anatsui is renowned for creating large-scale, shimmering sculptures from discarded materials, most notably aluminum bottle caps sourced from distilleries. He also incorporates other found objects like printing plates and metal scraps. These materials are meticulously flattened, folded, twisted, and linked together using copper wire, transforming what was once considered waste into intricate and visually stunning textile-like hangings. The sculptures often undulate and flow like fabric, defying the rigid nature of their metallic components. Anatsui's work addresses themes of consumption, waste, the environment, cultural history, and the interconnectedness of materials and human experience. The transformation of discarded items into objects of beauty and contemplation offers a powerful commentary on our relationship with resources and the potential for renewal.

Creator

Contributor

Type

Installation Art

Rights

The student curator has determined that the use of this information falls under the Fair Use provisions of copyright law for educational purposes. This digital profile is intended for non-commercial, educational use only, in the context of academic inquiry. The curator has made reasonable efforts to provide attribution and contextual information. Further use beyond fair use may require permission from the copyright holder(s), which in this case would involve El Anatsui and potentially the institutions holding specific artworks.

Publisher

Files

Bottle Caps.jpeg

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Citation

El Anatsui, “Bottle Caps,” Mississippi State University Libraries, accessed May 13, 2025, https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/items/show/3123.

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  1. Bottle Caps.jpeg