Yinka Shonibare's Decorative Poison at Kiasma
Yinka Shonibare, born in London in 1962 to Nigerian parents and raised in Lagos, currently has an exhibition at the Kiasma museum in Helsinki. His work is held in the collections of MoMA and the Tate Gallery, and he was featured at the most recent Documenta. Among his most acclaimed installations are The Swing (2001) and Gallantry and Criminal Conversation (2002), which present "fantasy figures" continuing the European tradition of depicting characters in exotic costumes.
Key facts
- Yinka Shonibare was born in London in 1962 to Nigerian parents.
- He grew up in Lagos before moving to his birthplace.
- His work is in MoMA and Tate Gallery collections.
- He was present at the last Documenta.
- He currently exhibits at Kiasma museum in Helsinki.
- The Swing (2001) is one of his most successful installations.
- Gallantry and Criminal Conversation (2002) is another key work.
- His installations feature 'fantasy figures' in exotic costumes, referencing European pictorial traditions.
Entities
Artists
- Yinka Shonibare
Institutions
- MoMA
- Tate Gallery
- Kiasma
- Documenta
Locations
- London
- Lagos
- Helsinki
Sources
- artpress —