The British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare first exhibited at the Serpentine some 30 years ago, but this is his first institutional show in London in two decades. The works in this exhibition examine ecological crises, migration and the legacy of colonialism, with an emphasis on the relationship between Europe and Africa. In addition to two new installations, Sanctuary City and War Library, it includes Shonibare’s Decolonised Structures (2022–23), which reimagines seven of London’s public monuments of figures such as Queen Victoria. By painting replicas of these statues in Dutch wax fabric patterns, which were popularised in Britain’s West African colonies in the 19th century, Shonibare highlights the harmful narratives they put forward and questions their continued public display. The exhibition coincides with Shonibare’s inclusion in the Nigerian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, which begins later this month. Find out more from the Serpentine’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary
Unlimited access from just $16 every 3 months
Subscribe to get unlimited and exclusive access to the top art stories, interviews and exhibition reviews.
Pilgrims’ progress? The Vatican Jubilee has frustrated Romans and tourists alike