The artwork titled “Red Block,” created by El Anatsui in 2010, is an installation piece measuring 510 x 334 cm and is currently located at The Broad in Los Angeles, California, USA. Utilizing materials such as aluminum and copper, this piece is associated with the Junk Art and Post-Minimalism movements.
The artwork is a large-scale installation composed of numerous small, shimmering red fragments meticulously connected to form a textile-like structure. The piece exudes a sense of fluidity and movement, with areas that drape and fold, creating natural shadows and variations in texture. The intricate interweaving of the red elements imbues the artwork with a sense of complexity and depth, emphasizing the innovative reuse of discarded materials typical of the Junk Art movement. The composition’s grandeur and detailed craftsmanship reflect the rich cultural and material narratives that El Anatsui often explores in his works.