By Katherine Bujalska, Artes Mundi Live Guide
Yesterday the newest commission for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square was unveiled. The piece ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’ is by the Anglo-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare and contains a replica of HMS Victory, the flagship of Nelson’s fleet in the battle of Trafalgar.
Shonibare’s ship has 37 sails all made from fabrics which appear richly patterned in typically African designs. In fact, when the history of this fabric is unravelled, we learn that these ‘African’ styles actually came from Indonesian batik designs which the Dutch took, mass produced, and sold on in the West of Africa. This work provides a beautiful, visual way to think about the complex dynamics surrounding the expansion of the European Territories during the colonialist era, and the ongoing legacy.
I can’t help drawing a connecting line between this piece and Fernando Bryce’s ‘Die Welt’. Both artists are attempting to undo the suppositions and pre-formed ideas we have about historical events, and at the same time show the relevance of those historical events to our contemporary world. The diverse range of interlinked subjects in ‘Die Welt’ mean that almost everyone I have met in the exhibition can make a personal connection with one of them. I hope this echoes the diverse range of people living in, or visiting Cardiff. ‘Die Welt’s role in this has been to remind us to notice the details in the interlaced history that we all share, which has made up those complex, diverse relationships.
I was really excited when I heard the announcement about Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’ last night on the radio. When things or ideas are important I notice that they keep coming up to the surface and demanding attention. It may be that I am more aware now, of the ideas and themes of this years Artes Mundi existing outside of the Galleries, but that they are being echoed by Artists elsewhere, gives continued currency.
Recent Comments