The artwork, named “Well Informed Ancestors”, is a 1998 collage created by the artist El Anatsui. This installation piece, measuring 58 x 225 cm, belongs to the Post-Minimalism and Native Art movements.
The artwork consists of various fragments of wood and other materials, meticulously arranged in a linear format. The wood pieces appear aged, with textures highlighting their weathered surfaces. Incorporated into this assembly are scraps of paper, some featuring printed text, contributing to the narrative suggested by the collage’s title. Additionally, elements of paint, notably blue and purple hues, adorn certain sections, providing a striking contrast to the organic tones of the wood. The composition evokes a sense of history and cultural continuity, resonating with themes of memory and ancestral knowledge. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made materials enriches the visual and conceptual depth of the piece.
