Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Yinka Shonibare. It dates from 2017 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 2017 work by British artist Yinka Shonibare, is a portfolio comprising five woodcuts integrated with fabric collage elements. Characteristic of Shonibare’s exploration of cultural identity and colonialism, the piece features vibrant, patterned fabrics.
Subject & Meaning
The composition reflects Shonibare’s signature use of Ankara/batik fabrics to interrogate cultural hybridity and historical narratives.
One of the woodcuts depicts a man in a wide-brimmed hat leading a horse against a bright blue background adorned with bold, geometric shapes in red and yellow, evoking fabric textures. The figure’s attire and the horse’s saddle are rendered in colorful, patterned fabrics, while the label 'Angel' above the man’s head introduces an enigmatic layer. The composition reflects Shonibare’s signature use of Ankara/batik fabrics to interrogate cultural hybridity and historical narratives.
Technique & Style
The work combines woodcut printing techniques with fabric collage, resulting in a distinctive layered and stitched appearance. Shonibare, due to physical limitations, directed assistants in the execution of the piece, a common practice in his creative process.
History & Provenance
Created in 2017, *Untitled* is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection, reflecting the institution’s interest in Shonibare’s contributions to contemporary discussions on identity and colonial legacy.
Context
Within Shonibare’s broader oeuvre, *Untitled* aligns with his practice of using eclectic, vibrant aesthetics to challenge perceptions of cultural heritage and historical power dynamics, often blending African, European, and Asian elements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yinka Shonibare (born 9 August 1962) is a British artist whose work explores cultural identity, colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalisation.
