Yinka Shonibare’s iconic Wind Sculpture VI has arrived home in Lagos. The sculpture, which is made of batik design, debuted in Yorkshire Sculpture Park and has also been installed at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, both in the United Kingdom.
The sculpture has now been installed at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Ikeja-Lagos, under the under the supervision of representatives of Mr Shonibare and officials of the British Council,Lagos Nigeria. This is Yinka Shonibare’s first exhibition in Nigeria, and it is part of the British Council’s commitment to promoting the arts in Nigeria. The organisation launched the UKNG 2015-2016 Season Project a year ago, with the aim of promoting cross cultural exchange between Nigeria and the UK in various segments of the arts.
Yinka Shonibare MBE(RA) was born in 1962. When he was three years-old his family moved to Lagos from London. He returned to the UK when he was seventeen, and currently lives in London. In 2004, he was awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), an award given for contributions to the arts, sciences, in the UK.
His work explores cultural identity, colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalization. A hallmark of his art is the brightly coloured Dutch wax fabric he uses. Because he has a physical disability that paralyses one side of his body, Shonibare uses assistants to make works under his direction.
With the recent growth that’s been happening now in Nigeria in the creative arts industry; especially in the Arts. It’s important to have a renowned artiste such as Mr Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA) in Nigeria, it’s the right boost artist in this country needs to advance the development of the creative arts Industry.
This installation is collaboration between Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA), Stephen Friedman Gallery, and the British Council with the kind support from GTB. On 25 November, there will be a lecture for visual arts students and film screenings to commemorate the installation on Friday,25th November 2016.
The Wind Sculpture VI, Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA), is on display as part of UK/Nigeria 2015–16. Follow up with conversation on all social media platforms with Hash Tag #UKNGWindSculpture
