The Film
From a modest beginning in Anyako, Ghana, thus began the journey of an artist who would redefine an art form, create an art movement in Africa, and become one of the most respected international contemporary artists of our time. This biographical documentary chronicles the journey of El Anatsui.
Synopsis:
"DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" stands as a biographical documentary delving into the life of an extraordinary artist. His inner musings find vivid expression in art that defies borders and limitations, reshaping the very concept of sculpture. This triumphantly acknowledges and emphasizes the importance of Africa's rich artistic and cultural heritage in the pantheon of global contemporary art.
This biographical film intimately explores the life of El Anatsui, a sculptor and art scholar hailing from Ghana, who pursued his education and later became an Emeritus Professor of Sculpture at Nigeria's pioneering University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Throughout his journey, El Anatsui carved out a unique niche for his creations within a sea of other prominent artists, employing unconventional tools, methods, and an eclectic array of materials, including discarded items often seen as mundane waste.
The documentary seeks to unveil the persona behind these remarkable artworks that grace the collections of esteemed museums, galleries, and private collectors around the world. His monumental hanging sculptures, which redefine the very notion of 'sculpture,' have adorned prominent institutions such as Venice's Museo Fortuny, London's Royal Academy, and Marrakesh's El Badi Palace.
"Dela," meaning "Deliverer" in his traditional Ewe language, is the name by which El Anatsui is known among his close relatives. From his birth, he was destined to be a "Deliverer." Directed by Nigerian journalist and producer Oyiza Adaba, this biographical documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey, unraveling the challenges and triumphs of this artistic visionary.