Born in Ghana, El Anatsui has spent the majority of his professional career based in Nigeria. He emerged as a significant figure in contemporary sculpture through his exploration of discarded materials, transforming industrial refuse into intricate, textile-like tapestries that challenge traditional distinctions between sculpture and painting.

His signature works utilize aluminum pieces sourced from alcohol recycling stations, which are manipulated into fluid, metallic forms. These installations are noted for their physical flexibility, allowing them to be draped or shaped in various configurations during exhibition, effectively bridging the gap between rigid sculpture and soft fabric.

Anatsui continues to receive significant institutional recognition, with his work recently included in major acquisitions by the Tate and featured in upcoming surveys of Nigerian modernism. His practice remains a focal point for international collections dedicated to African and diasporic art.