The Confession, 2007Artist Lecture by Yinka Shonibare, MBE
Tuesday, 6-7:30 p.m., Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga.
Join artist Yinka Shonibare, MBE, for a presentation about the development of his artistic practice over the past decade.
PRESS RELEASE:
Internationally recognized artist Yinka Shonibare, Member of the Order of the British Empire, will discuss the development of his artistic practice over the past decade. The lecture is presented by the Savannah College of Art and Design and will take place April 8, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga. The event is free and open to the public.
Born in London, raised by his Nigerian parents in Lagos and educated in England, Shonibare considers himself "truly bicultural." His upbringing has led him to frequently explore themes of race, ethnicity and cultural stereotypes in his art.
With his signature material of colorful 'African' fabric from the Brixton market, Shonibare comments on collective, multicultural identity. Although the fabric purports to represent African character and culture, it was originally inspired by Indonesian batik designs and sold to colonies in West Africa after being mass-produced in Holland. Assimilation and popularity led the fabric to become recognized as a symbol of African identity.
Currently, Shonibare is one of six artists shortlisted for the next commission for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Intended for an equestrian statue in 1841, the Fourth Plinth stood empty for many years. Today it is the site for specially commissioned artworks. Shonibare has proposed a replica sculpture of the "HMS Victory," Admiral Lord Nelson's ship, which fought in the Battle of Trafalgar. The sculpture would incorporate Shonibare's signature fabrics in a celebration of London's multicultural wealth.
Shonibare has held prestigious solo exhibitions throughout the world, in such locations as London, Rome, Milan, New York, Austria, Israel and the Netherlands. His work has also been included in Sensation, Documenta 11, the 49th Venice Biennial and the 52nd Venice Biennial. In 2008, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney will present a major retrospective of his work.
Shonibare won the Turner Prize in 2004 and became a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2005. He is represented by the Stephen Friedman Gallery in London and the James Cohan Gallery in New York.
