For this tapestry El Anatsui has used woven red liquor labels, with other creations he has used bottle caps and other types of commercial packaging. The labels are embedded with histories and influences, ranging from the effect of the colonial period on African countries to current problems facing their peoples. Apparently every institution which displays ‘Red Block’ can fold and hang it as the curator chooses. I wish now I had spent time looking more closely at the labels.

You have until 31st July to square. The theme is ‘‘Simply Red‘ and as always the only rule for Squares is that your main photograph must be square.
How beautiful! What an interesting tapestry! Here’s my red squares today. Fan Tan Alley – Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
LikeLike
That is really unique!
Here’s mine: In Search Of Red #25 | Out of My Write Mind
LikeLike
That’s a fascinating piece of art, both to read about and I’m sure to study 🙂
Here is my third and almost certainly final squares offering for this month: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-simply-red-part-two/ Already looking forward to the next time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh I am so glad you have squared three times this month as I was hoping to include you in the second gallery
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be lovely – thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Amazing! I would never have the patience or know-how to create such a wonder.
LikeLike
likewise!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool art = to use labels and maybe next time you can see them closer – but it sure made for a good photo
and here is my square photos of doors this week
LikeLiked by 1 person
awww thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. I’d like a close look at the labels too. Here’s mine today: https://grahamsisland.com/2025/07/25/sunset/
LikeLiked by 1 person
was so annoyed afterwards when I realised what I had missed
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d like to look at this in detail. I have a vague feeling that I saw something similar in the British Museum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ooh I’ll have to look out for where it goes next
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful artwork. Here’s my entry: https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2025/07/25/squares-with-red-from-sicily/
LikeLiked by 1 person
glad you like it too
LikeLike
Interesting using labels for this art project that tells a story.
Here’s my entry:
https://wp.me/p3RE1e-m6t
LikeLiked by 1 person
it really is isn’t it
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s certainly different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree 🙂
LikeLike
That is great work by the artist
LikeLiked by 1 person
it really is, just wish I’d been more aware when I walked past it
LikeLike