Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an acrylic painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Yinka Shonibare. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2000, this untitled work by Yinka Shonibare combines emulsion, acrylic paint and Dutch‑wax printed cotton to cover a painted wall.
Created in 2000, this untitled work by Yinka Shonibare combines emulsion, acrylic paint and Dutch‑wax printed cotton to cover a painted wall. The composition consists of a linear array of small, vividly colored squares that interlock like a tessellated puzzle. Each unit contains graphic motifs that suggest figures, animals or abstract symbols, set against a deep‑hued background that emphasizes the striking reds, blues and yellows.
Subject & Meaning
The recurring geometric units function as a visual metaphor for cultural hybridity, juxtaposing traditional African textile patterns with contemporary abstract forms. By arranging disparate icons within a unified field, the piece invites reflection on the layered identities that emerge from histories of trade, migration and colonial encounter, echoing Shonibare’s broader inquiry into post‑colonial narratives.
Technique & Style
Shonibare employs Dutch‑wax printed fabric, commonly known as Ankara or batik, as a tactile substrate, affixing the patterned squares to the wall before applying layers of emulsion and acrylic. The bright, flat color fields and crisp outlines align with abstract expressionist tendencies, while the textile surface introduces a decorative, craft‑based aesthetic that blurs the line between fine art and material culture.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the United Kingdom during a period when Shonibare was establishing his reputation for integrating fabric into large‑scale installations. Since its creation, the piece has been exhibited in several institutional settings that focus on contemporary art and post‑colonial discourse, though specific collection details remain limited in public records.
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.
