El Anatsui: Zebra Crossing at Jack Shainman Gallery

The sculptures in the show are actually metallic tapestries, constructed out of flattened metal foils, like those found on a bottle of champagne. A very delicate wire construction holds these together – they’re all glitter and sway. Lots of fun, check it out. The metal gives it all a certain bitterness, that same taste you get when the champagne leaves that same wrapper on your tongue. Where did all these wrappers come from? Who left them on the ground? What became of those people? It’s all shadow and remnants. Whether we can know the stories or not, these tapestries are record keeping. People made these items, and El Anatsui wants to celebrate that.

“Zebra Crossing” on display through February 2nd at Jack Shainman Gallery. 513 West 20th St.

Photo by risknfun on flickr.