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How did Yinka Shonibare use textiles in his installations?
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African art
Raffia-fiber cloth, made by the Kuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century; in the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Yinka Shonibare uses Dutch wax-printed fabricâa textile produced in Europe that became associated with West Africaâas a signature element in his installations to examine themes of colonialism, identity, and authenticity.1
His applications of these textiles include:
- Costumed Mannequins: He creates Victorian-style costumes for mannequins, often leaving them headless or replacing their heads with objects like globes to comment on historical power relations.1
- Wall-Mounted Works: In pieces such as Double Dutch, he covers grids of small stretchers with the fabric to create large-scale wall installations.1
- Wind Sculptures: He produces fiberglass sculptures designed to resemble the fabric blowing in the breeze, which have been installed in various public spaces internationally.1
- Library Installations: He creates immersive reading rooms featuring tables, chairs, and shelves filled with books wrapped in the batik-like textile. The spines of these books are often inscribed with the names of significant historical figures, such as immigrants to Britain or leaders who fought for African independence.1