Yinka Shonibare CBE RA: Free The Wind, The Spirit, and The Sun at Stephen Friedman Gallery
Stephen Friedman Gallery presents Free The Wind, The Spirit, and The Sun, a new exhibition by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA at its new London location on Cork Street, Mayfair. Shonibare, a longstanding artist with the gallery since 1996, curates a group presentation of African and diaspora artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and works on paper.
The exhibition, described as a "celebration of nature," draws inspiration from the dada spirit, challenging Western art traditions. Shonibare references aristocratic leisure and Western interpretations of African spirituality, as seen in the life-size sculpture 'Feeling Free Like a Bird,' depicting a woman breaking free from societal restrictions with native African birds.
'Wind Sculpture in Bronze (SG)' captures the movement of wind, reflecting its impact on African textiles and the African diaspora's story. The dada spirit disrupts geographically determined traditions, as seen in Shonibare's 'Hybrid Masks,' zoomorphic masks exploring transformational qualities and spiritual meaning in West African masquerades.
The exhibition extends its exploration of freedom with works by emerging and established artists from the African diaspora, curated by Shonibare. The presentation, featuring artists from Shonibare's Lagos residency program, is part of Guest Artists Space Foundation's dedication to international cultural exchange and creative development. Artists showcased include Bunmi Agusto, Okiki Akinfe, Victor Ehikhamenor, Masimba Hwati, Gareth Nyandoro, Nengi Omuku, Ozioma Onuzulike, Emma Prempeh, and Uzor Ugoala.
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA Feeling Free Like a Bird, 2023, Hand-painted with Dutch wax patterns, this fibreglass sculpture features a mannequin adorned with Dutch wax-printed cotton textile. The piece incorporates a mix of materials, including a globe, brass, steel, faux birds, wood, leather, and metal wires.
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA African Bird Magic (Yellow Breasted Bunting) II, right, 2023
Sun Dance Kids (Boy and Girl), 2023, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA
Nengi Omuku Quorum, 2022
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA African Bird Magic (Saker Falcon) I, background, 2023
Gareth Nyandoro, Sofa Constructions, right, 2022, Ink on canvas, 226 x 324cm
Emma Prempeh a haunting fragility, 2023 Oil, acrylic, Schlag metal, imitation gold leaf on canvas
200 x 200cm
Uzor Ugoala Untitled, center, 2022, Wood, plaster of paris, oil 187.1 x 78.7 x 35.6cm
Okiki Akinfe The Road to Damascus, right, 2023 Oil on linen 200 x 200cm
Bunmi Agusto Apparitions Fly Past Umbanda, 2023
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Yinka Shonibare returns to London with "Suspended States" at Serpentine South, his first solo institutional exhibition in over 20 years, featuring two major new works: Sanctuary City and War Library.