El Anatsui Wins Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall Commission 2023
The Ghanaian artist will reveal his site-specific creation for the world's most famous art commission in October.
El Anatsui, New World Symphony (2022). Aluminium and copper wire. 600 x 800 cm. Courtesy Barakat Contemporary, Seoul.
El Anatsui will create the next Hyundai Commission for Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, the London museum announced today.
'El Anatsui is responsible for some of the most unique and unforgettable sculptures in recent times and we are delighted that he will tackle the Turbine Hall this autumn for the annual Hyundai Commission,' said Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern.
Anatsui was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 56th International Art Exhibition of the Biennale di Venezia in 2014.
He is renowned for his vibrant wall hangings, reminiscent of textiles or paintings by Gustav Klimt, that are constructed from thousands of recycled bottle-tops and copper wire.
Held in Tate Modern's collection, Anatsui's Ink Splash II (2012) gives the illusion of blue ink splashed across a sheet of paper—rendered in aluminium and copper—and onto the floor.
Morris said the work 'enchants visitors wherever it's shown, and we can't wait to see how this inventive artist will approach a space like the Turbine Hall,' she said.
The El Anatsui commission is curated by Tate Modern's Osei Bonsu and Dina Akhmadeeva.
Tate Modern has invited artists to create work for its cavernous Turbine Hall since the museum first opened, beginning with Louise Bourgeoise in 2000.
It has led to the creation of iconic works such as Olafur Eliasson's The Weather Project (2003) Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds (2010), and Anicka Yi's In Love with the World (2021).
Last year's Hyundai Commission, Cecilia Vicuña: Brain Forest Quipu continues until 16 April 2023. —[O]
