Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle

art installation by Shonibare

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July 19, 2026

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Yinka Shonibare's "Nelson's Ship in a Bottle" is a significant public art installation commissioned for Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth. Shonibare, a British artist of Nigerian heritage, is known for exploring themes of authenticity, identity, and colonialism through various media.12

A signature element of his work is the use of Dutch wax-printed fabric, which, despite being produced in Europe, became known as "African" cloth. This fabric is prominently featured in "Nelson's Ship in a Bottle," a piece that reflects Shonibare's interest in public art and his broader artistic concerns regarding cultural identity and historical narratives.12

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Yinka Shonibare
Prominent pieces
In 2010 Shonibare’s Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle won a commission to occupy Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. This competition evinced his growing interest in public art. In 2013 he began a series of fiberglass works he termed Wind Sculptures. Amorphous in shape and colorfully hand-painted in dazzling designs,…
Read More
In 2010 Shonibare’s Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle won a commission to occupy Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. This competition evinced his growing interest in public art. In 2013 he began a series of fiberglass works he termed Wind Sculptures. Amorphous in shape and colorfully hand-painted in dazzling designs,…
Read More