El Anatsui, First African Artist Appointed at London’s Royal Academy

El Anatsui, In the World, But don't know the World? (2009), private collection. Photo: Jonathan Greet, courtesy October Gallery, London.

Ghanaian artist El Anatsui has been appointed honorary academician by London’s Royal Academy. Best-known for his monumental fabrics made with thousands of small metal pieces, he’s the first African to receive the accolade. Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has also received the honorary title.

Architect Louisa Hutton and sculptor Rebecca Warren were elected royal academicians, further proof of the institution’s will to include more women in its still overwhelmingly male-dominated ranks.

Michael Landy has been appointed Professor of Drawing at the RA Schools.


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