Fold Crumple Crush: The Art of El Anatsui

African artist El Anatsui, born and trained in Ghana but now working in Nigeria, is the subject of Susan Vogel's intriguing but also somewhat lackadaisical documentary. Although Anatsui is known for his clay and wood sculptures, Vogel concentrates on the artist's more recent work in installation art using found materials, such as a huge tapestry made from thousands of bottle caps. The first of four chapters details that piece's premiere in Venice, with Anatsui carefully overseeing its precise placement. The second follows the artist back to Nsukka, where he holds a university teaching position, as colleagues speak of him with appreciation bordering on awe. The third segment is a visit to the studio where Anatsui's student assistants bring in empty tin cans, paper packing, and other materials that can be molded into new artworks. Only toward the end does Fold Crumple Crush turn biographical, with Anatsui discussing his childhood while he leafs through packets of photographs. Throughout, Anatsui talks about his artistic philosophy, but most of his remarks are rather general, such as the observation that he prefers using found objects because they connect his work to others. Still, this is a good introduction, overall, to an important contemporary African artist. DVD extras include eight “Anatsui at Work” shorts. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)