“Gawu” — African Inspired Tapestry
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Grade Level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, K, Special Education
Ghana-born artist El Anatsui is known internationally for his large-scale sculptures called “Gawu,” a composite of the words “ga,” meaning something made of metal and 'wu,” meaning a fashioned garment. In this lesson, students create their own tapestries as a response to El Anatsui's art, using African kente to discover rhythm and pattern in art. Recycled materials can be used, including folded papers and labels.
