Created by
Anatsui, El, Ghanaian, born 1944
Date
1989
Medium
tropical hardwood and tempera paint
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 24 × 29 in. (61 × 73.7 cm)
Description
An eight-panel sculptural installation titled "Black Seeds" by El Anatsui. The panels are painted and incised grained wood planks. The first six panels (2023.39.1a-f) are a deep black color, the seventh (2023.39.1g) a rich brown color, and the eighth (2023.39.1h) is a lighter, natural wood color. Across the first five planks is a large, incised circle starting in the lower left corner and heavily texturized within. There are seeds carved in the lower left corner and at the center of the circle. The last two panels are incised with a black-painted vine-like design that carries slightly into the 6th panel. On the bottom right corner of the 7th panel (2023.39.1g), is the carved signature: [EL 89].
Portfolio/Series
Seed Series
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
panel paintings
Topic
Abstraction
Africa
African diaspora
Art
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Carroll Parrot Blue
Object number
2023.39.1a-h
Restrictions & Rights
© El Anatsui
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd529d0379a-6ca2-4239-a074-ef634fc3aa20

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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