About Yinka Shonibare

His interdisciplinary practice uses citations of Western art history and literature to question the validity of contemporary cultural and national identities within the context of globalisation. Through examining race, class and the construction of cultural identity, his works comment on the tangled interrelationship between Africa and Europe, and their respective economic and political histories. – Yinka Shonibare

Yinka Shonibare (born 1962, London) is a celebrated British-Nigerian contemporary artist whose multifaceted practice spans painting, sculpture, photography, film, printmaking, and installation. He is particularly renowned for his use of brightly colored batik fabric in elaborate costumed dioramas that interrogate cultural identity, colonialism, and authenticity.

The fabric itself carries layered histories: originally inspired by Indonesian designs, it was mass-produced by the Dutch and exported to West Africa, where it became embraced in the 1960s as a symbol of independence and identity despite its colonial origins. By incorporating this material into his work, Shonibare constructs narratives that blur geographic and historical boundaries, raising powerful questions about culture, nationalism, and the legacy of colonialism in a globalized world.

Shonibare’s artwork frequently features intricate collages and figurative tableaux that combine humor, theatricality, and critical commentary. His limited edition prints extend these themes, translating his richly layered visual language into accessible and collectible works that retain the vibrant aesthetic and conceptual depth of his installations.

Due to a physical disability that paralyzes one side of his body, Shonibare works with a team of assistants to realize his vision, making collaboration a central part of his studio practice. This dynamic further enriches his exploration of authorship, identity, and artistic production.

Today, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA stands as one of the most influential voices in contemporary art, with artworks that challenge viewers to confront the entangled histories of culture, commerce, and power. He lives and works in London.

Auction record: US$ 325k, Sotheby’s, Miami, 2018

Notable exhibitions

Yinka Shonibare has exhibited at major international platforms including the Venice Biennale and documenta, alongside solo shows at leading institutions worldwide. His artwork has been featured in the collections of the Tate, London, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Shonibare’s career has been recognized with prestigious honors, including Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE, 2019) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE, 2005).