ARTISTS TALKING

Yinka Shonibare, whose work is represented on the a-n Image bank, proposes to make a scale replica of Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory, in a giant glass bottle four the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. The ship’s magnificent sails will be produced in richly coloured and patterned textiles, which Shonibare buys from Brixton market in London. They are assumed to be African but in fact the fabric was inspired by Indonesian batik design, mass produced by the Dutch and sold to the colonies in West Africa. By the 1960s the material was popularly assimilated in Africa and became symbolic of African identity and independence. Shonibare says his piece will reflect the story of multiculturalism in London today, which began as a result of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar: ‘For me it’s a celebration of London’s immense ethnic wealth, giving expression to and honouring the many cultures and ethnicities that are still breathing precious wind into the sails of the UK.’

Vue Yinka Shonibare's work on the a-n Image bank or click here to visit the Fourth Plinth website.