Yinka Shonibare

Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle

 

Yinka Shonibare proposes to make a scale replica of Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory, in a giant glass bottle. The ship’s magnificent sails will be produced in richly coloured and patterned textiles, which Shonibare buys from Brixton market in London. They are assumed to be African but in fact the fabric was inspired by Indonesian batik design, mass produced by the Dutch and sold to the colonies in West Africa. By the 1960s the material was popularly assimilated in Africa and became symbolic of African identity and independence. Shonibare says his piece will reflect the story of multiculturalism in London today, which began as a result of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar: ‘For me it’s a celebration of London’s immense ethnic wealth, giving expression to and honouring the many cultures and ethnicities that are still breathing precious wind into the sails of the UK.’

Biography

Yinka Shonibare, MBE was born in London and moved to Lagos, Nigeria at the age of three. He returned to London to study Fine Art first at the Byam Shaw School of Art, London and then at Goldsmiths College, London where he received his MFA. Shonibare’s work explores issues of race and class through the media of painting, sculpture, photography and, most recently, film. His signature material is the brightly coloured ‘African’ fabric he buys at Brixton market.

Shonibare has exhibited in leading museums worldwide and participated in seminal exhibitions such as: Sensation, Royal Academy of Arts, London (1997); 49th Venice Biennial, Venice, Italy (2001); Documenta 11, Kassel, Germany (2002); Double Dress, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel, touring; Africa Remix, various venues (2005-06) and Check-List Luanda Pop, African Pavilion, 52nd Venice Biennial (2007). In 2004 Shonibare was nominated for the Turner Prize. In 2005 Shonibare was made Member of the Order of the British Empire.  In 2008 Shonibare will present a major retrospective solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Sydney. Yinka Shonibare, MBE is represented by Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and James Cohan Gallery, New York.