International Artist at the MCA
A major solo exhibition of works by Yinka Shonibare, a London based artist with a physical disability, is on at the Muesum of Contemporary Art from 24 September 2008 to 1 February 2009.
Yinka Shonibare, MBE (b 1962) is a painter, photographer, filmmaker, and installation artist whose work is influenced by the culture of Nigeria, where he grew up, and England, where he studied and now lives. This exhibition represents the most comprehensive showing of the artist’s work to date.
Shonibare decided to become an artist at the age of 19. A month into his arts course he became seriously ill with a rare viral infection, which attacked his spine and left him temporarily paralysed. He spent much of the next three years in physiotherapy. He is now paralysed down one side and walks using a stick.
Shonibare graduated with an MA from Goldsmiths College in 1991, and since that time has forged links with arts organisations that have enabled him to support his creative practice and to build networks.
In an interview with Lucy Wilson, Shonibare explains: "My first priority was to get a part-time job. I worked as an arts development officer before I was finally able to find a job that I actually loved doing. I worked for Shape, an organisation which makes the arts accessible to disabled, homeless and imprisoned people... by developing projects across the arts in day centres, schools, etc."
As Shonibare's career evolved, he also began to work collaboratively: "I do have a physical disability and I was determined that the scope of my creativity should not be restricted purely by my physicality. It would be like an architect choosing to build only what could be physically built by hand. The process evolved gradually over a number of shows, but I would say that my first significant collaborative project was my Victorian room which was done in collaboration with London Printworks."
Shonibare’s career has continued to progress, achieving international acclaim. He was shortlisted for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2004 for his exhibition ‘Double Dutch’ at the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam and for his solo show of paintings, ‘Play With Me’, at the Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. He was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005. His work was included in the African pavilion at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007. The artist's proposal for the Fourth Plinth in London's Trafalgar Square was recently selected as one of two public works to be realized on the site.
The MCA are touring his exhibition to the Brooklyn Museum, New York and the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC.
Entry to this exhibition is free. MCA access information here. Watch a video on Yinka Shonibare talk about his work.
References: Artists’ stories, Yinka Shonibare by Lucy Wilson, The Artists Information Company