El Anatsui was born in Anyako in Ghana, but has spent most of his career working in Nigeria. He is one of the leading African artists, emerging from the post-independence art movements of 1960s and 70s West Africa. His sculptures often cross reference Ghanaian culture and rituals. He has gained major international recognition with his work having been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the 2007 Venice Biennale. His work is included in many collections such as the British Museum, Centre Pomidou and the Smithsonian Institution.