Yinka Shonibare, MBE, a London-based artist of international acclaim, will be presenting a lecture at the Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St., on April 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. Shonibare will be discussing his artistic practice as it has developed over the last ten years.
Born in England in 1962 to Nigerian parents, Shonibare and his family relocated to Lagos, Nigeria when he was three. He returned to London where he attended the Byam Shaw School of Art and then Goldsmiths College, where he received his M.F.A. in Fine Art. Since he grew up in Nigeria and spent his education in England, Shonibare considers himself “truly bicultural.” This culture clash forms the basis of Shonibare’s work. Experimenting in painting, video, installation and sculpture, Shonibare deals with themes of race, culture, politics and history.
One of his trademarks is his use of supposedly “African” fabric bought in London markets. Historically, the fabrics Shonibare uses actually originate from Indonesian patterns. They are produced in Holland and sold to British colonies in West Africa. Shonibare uses this fabric as a symbol of cultural assimilation. The fabric covers the bodies of headless sculptures throughout Shonibare’s body of work. Shonibare’s “The Swing (after Fragonard)” is a 3-D re-creation of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing.”
Shonibare has had exhibitions in cities across the globe, including London, New York, Rome and Milan. In 2005, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. In 2004, he was shortlisted for the Turner Prize. Named after the romanticist painter J.M.W. Turner, the Turner Prize is England’s most publicized art award. More recently, he has been shortlisted for the next work of art to occupy the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in London. Built in 1841, the Fourth Plinth was to be the site of an equestrian statue, but, due to insufficient funds, it remained empty. England uses the Plinth today to showcase specially commissioned pieces of art. Shonibare’s proposal is to create a scale replica of The HMS Victory inside a giant glass bottle. The HMS Victory is the oldest naval ship still in commission, built between 1759 and 1765. It was present at the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive naval battle in England’s history coincidentally depicted by J.M.W. Turner. Shonibare’s intention is to reflect the history of multiculturalism in modern day London.
Shonibare’s work encompasses a multitude of influences and mediums. Students of all majors would benefit from the lecture and are encouraged to attend. The event is free and open to the public.
Photos courtesy of Yinka Shonibare.
