An exhibition of works by El Anatsui (Ghana, 1944), one of the most influential contemporary artists working today, was on view at the Prince Claus Fund Gallery in Amsterdam 24 November 2016 through 28 April 2017. 

El Anatsui’s large-scale bottle top wall installations have enthralled viewers around the world. He has received wide-spread acclaim including a lifetime achievement award at the 2015 Venice Biennale and the 2009 Prince Claus Award. His works are to be found in the collections of several prestigious museums worldwide.

“El Anatsui inspires artists across the world through his work,” says the Prince Claus Fund’s Director Joumana El Zein Khoury, “not only with his beautiful art, but also with the way he engages his own culture and traditions and involves students and local people in the creation of his art. The Fund is delighted to present his work to a Dutch public here in our gallery.”

Curator Bisi Silva says, “it is a honour to have the opportunity to work again with El Anatsui and in Amsterdam.With his scintillating sculptural installations, over the past two decades he has been able to articulate his interest in and study of African History and its post-colonial identity. Through this exhibition I hope to highlight aspects of his artistic practice as well as his professional career of over three decades as a university professor and its impact on several generations of artists, curators and writers from Nigeria, West Africa and across the continent.” 

El Anatsui’s exhibition Meyina at the Prince Claus Fund Gallery was on view for the public from 24 November 2016 through 28 April 2017. The opening on Thursday, 24 November was part of Amsterdam Art Weekend and was in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Prince Claus Fund. 

The exhibition was curated by Bisi Silva, an independent curator and founding Director of the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos.

 The Prince Claus Fund Gallery is located on Herengracht 603, Amsterdam. Admission free.