SculpturePopulaire

The distinctive style of British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare (born 1962) is characterised by his use of vibrantly coloured Dutch wax fabrics. In his multimedia work, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, films, and installations, he explores themes such as postcolonialism, globalisation, class and imperialism. He is particularly interested in the cultural and economic relations between Europe and Africa.

Part of Shonibare’s Wind Sculptures series, Material (SG) V (2025)—installed in front of PalaisPopulaire—features the so-called 'wax print' fabrics, which are considered to be traditionally African. However, these textiles were originally inspired by Indonesian batik, mass produced by the Dutch from the 19th century onward. In the 60s, they were embraced by the African markets and have since come to be regarded as ‘authentically African’ fabrics. They embody cultural hybridity, challenging conventional notions of authenticity, tradition and folklore. This four-metre-high fibreglass sculpture captures a piece of Dutch wax fabric whipped up by the wind, reminiscent of the abstract sculptures of Western post-war modernism influenced by non-European art. Shonibare draws on these connections to modernism and, as a counterpoint to the monolithic, creates something anti-monumental and poetic—forming a dynamic contrast right at Berlin’s Bebelplatz, a site shaped by Prussian influence.

Having studied at Goldsmiths University in London, the artist became known in association with the Young British Artists (YBA) scene. His work was exhibited several times at the Venice Biennale between 2002 and 2024. He has also participated in numerous international exhibitions. In 2019, Shonibare was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire). Deutsche Bank supports Projekt Nexus, a residency and education programme run by the Yinka Shonibare Foundation (Y.S.F.) and the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation. The programme will promote young artistic and creative talent in Nigeria over a period of three years. Works by Yinka Shonibare are part of the Deutsche Bank Collection.