Victorian Visual Culture

We did not have much time to go over Shonibare’s exhibit our last class but with the quick glance I saw on the last day I knew that it was something I would definetly research more. Shonibare is one of the most interesting artists I’ve ever seen, the way he integrates himself into historical scenes especially those where there is no other racial minorities present is very interesting. What is really cool is his use of different african textiles in exhibits that are in different parts of the world such as Germany and the UK. A particular exhibit that stood out to me was To Be Free: Art and Liberty (2023).

The image of Lady Justice is one I knew of already but the inclusion of the globe for the head and the dress is Dutch wax batik (or Ankara) an intricate African wax print that acts as an important representation of African culture. Wheareas the globe on the head stand for the idea of Lady justice being a universal identity for all not just a representation of one culture or country but many. One of Yinkas other most popular works is his photographic suite framing himself into the Oscar Wildes Dorian Gray.

Yinka transforms himself into the Picture of Dorian Gray already bringing new perspective to this Victorian scene. While also bringing an element of the african identity to thses primarily british victorian settings. Although all the pictures featured are in black and white but one the atmosphere he creates is one reminiscent of the book, mysterious, cloaked, and leaves the audience looking closely into what his reimagining of the scene brings to their previous understanding of Dorian Gray.

Works Cited

“Yinka Shonibare MBE || Dorian Gray.” 2009. Africa.si.edu. November 10, 2009. https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/shonibare/dorian.html.