he was paralyzied on one side of his body
Yinka Shonibare has written: 'Yinka Shonibare'
Yinka Shonibare's parents were Nigerian. His father was a lawyer and his mother worked as a secretary.
In London
No, he's a man
Born in England in 1962 and raised in Nigeria, Shonibare currently lives and works in London.
his key material is african patterned cloth
Ade Adekola has written: 'Ade Adekola, Yinka Shonibare, Mark Wallinger'
Yinka Shonibare is a London-based artist. His statement on his work is succinct: " His work explores cultural identity, colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalization."Born in London in 1962, Mr. Shonibare was reared in Nigeria, returning to London when he was 17.He works primarily in free standing sculptural works, with his assistants doing the work under his direction. Mr. Shonibare is disabled. He contracted a disorder which left him paralyzed on one side of his body. Because of this disability, his assistants must construct the work for him. However, the scope of his vision is uniquely his as is evident in the pieces.One of the hallmarks of his work is the extensive use of Africanized fabrics. As he explains it, the material is not from Africa, rather it is mass produced in the Netherlands and Manchester, England. Therefore, it is an artificial construct being what people think should be, rather than what actually is.Mr. Shonibare has exhibited extensively throughout the UK, Europe, and the US. His work has earned him many awards and honors.
Yinka Shonibare, the Nigerian-British artist known for his work that explores themes of colonialism and identity, primarily resides in London, England. He has a studio in the city where he creates his art, which often incorporates vibrant fabrics and historical references. His work and exhibitions have gained international acclaim, reflecting his diverse cultural influences.
Yinka Shonibare studied at the University of the Arts London, specifically at Central Saint Martins, where he earned a BA in Fine Arts. He later obtained his Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the Royal College of Art in London. His education has significantly influenced his distinctive artistic style, which often explores themes of identity, colonialism, and cultural hybridity.
Yinka Shonibare employs vibrant colors and intricate patterns in his work to explore themes of identity, colonialism, and cultural hybridity. By using Dutch wax fabric, he highlights the complex interplay between African and European influences, challenging preconceived notions of authenticity in art and culture. His distinctive style serves to provoke dialogue about race, class, and the legacy of colonialism in contemporary society. Ultimately, Shonibare's work reflects a celebration of diversity while questioning historical narratives.
Yinka Shonibare is known for utilizing African wax-print fabrics in his sculptural works to explore themes of identity, colonialism, and globalization. By using these fabrics, he challenges stereotypes and addresses cultural hybridity in his artworks. His creative process often involves combining historical narratives with contemporary issues to create thought-provoking pieces.