First published in 1999, Time Magazine’s list of the top 100 most influential people in the world has become, perhaps, one of the most anticipated and publicized lists of the 21st century. I would wager that you have registered a raised eyebrow or pricked up ear at a name you heard made the Time 100. Well, in its 2023 issue, El Anatsui is featured in the Artist category alongside 18 other recognisably brilliant individuals of varying creative flavours including movie stars, film makers, authors, visual artists and musicians.
The feature comes with a profile of El Anatsui written by his friend and renowned art historian and critic, Chika Okeke-Agulu who co-authored the unprecedentedly comprehensive account of the artist’s journey, El Anatsui: The Reinvention of Sculpture, alongside the late Okwui Enwezor, former director of the Haus der Kunst, Munich. The Time 100 list will be in the April 24 / May 1 issue of Time Magazine and is currently accessible on the popular magazine’s website.