About 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.
