Serpentine Gallery opened ‘Suspended States,’ also marking the return of Yinka Shonibare CBE RA after over 20 years with his first solo exhibition in the London public institution. Shonibare, the founder of Y.S.F. and G.A.S., first showcased at Serpentine South in 1992 as a finalist in the Barclays Young Artist Award, and participated in Serpentine’s 2006 Interview Marathon.
At the heart of the exhibition are Shonibare’s meticulously crafted sculptures, each telling a story of its own. Through these sculptures, he invites viewers to contemplate the legacy of colonization and imperialism, indeed drawing attention to how these historical forces continue to impact contemporary society.
The exhibition, which runs from April 12 to September 1, 2024 explores themes such as refuge, shelter, and the dynamics of power and influence that have shaped the African continent.
One of the most striking features of “Suspended States” is the inclusion of two large-scale installations: “Sanctuary City” and “War Library.” In “Sanctuary City,” Shonibare chiefly recreates miniature replicas of historical refuge sites from around the world, illuminating them from within and adorning them with Dutch wax print interiors—a signature element of his artistry. This installation serves as a poignant reminder of the universal human desire for safety and security, while also underscoring the disparities in access to refuge across different regions of the world.
Similarly, “War Library” offers a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of conflict and peace. Comprising 5,000 books bound in Dutch wax print, the installation serves as a visual representation of humanity’s enduring struggle to reconcile its inherent capacity for violence with its aspirations for harmony and coexistence.
Throughout the exhibition, Shonibare’s quilt series, “African Bird Magic,” also serves as a powerful commentary on the environmental consequences of colonial industrialization. By intertwining imagery of African artifacts and endangered bird species, he highlights the ways in which colonial exploitation has threatened both cultural heritage and biodiversity.
In addition to these central pieces, “Suspended States” features a diverse array of works, each offering its perspective on the themes of history, identity, and interconnectedness. From “Decolonised Structures” to “Unstructured Icons” and “Cowboy Angels,” Shonibare’s art confronts viewers with the uncomfortable realities of exploitation as well as colonization that underpin contemporary global dynamics.
The exhibition also highlights Shonibare’s social practice including his Guest Project experimental space in Hackney and the Guest Artist Space Foundation he launched in Nigeria in 2019.
Through his thought-provoking artworks, Yinka Shonibare further invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of these complex relationships and to imagine new possibilities for a more equitable and inclusive future.
