Yinka shonibare prints
Nelson's Ship in a Bottle
Artwork by Yinka Shonibare
Nelson's Ship in a Bottle is a sculpture by the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare.
Yinka shonibare ship in bottle Search Searching Art21…. In multimedia projects that reveal his passion for art history, literature, and philosophy, Shonibare provides a critical tour of Western civilization and its achievements and failures. Although he died during the battle, his orders were executed to great effect and henceforth, Britain had control of the seas. Complain about this comment Comment number 6.Commissioned in by the Greater London Authority,[1] it was originally placed on the Fourth Plinth in London's Trafalgar Square in
It was subsequently relocated to a plinth outside the Sammy Ofer Wing of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, in southeast London, going on permanent display on 23 April , two days before the museum's 75th anniversary.[2] The work was purchased for £, through a joint fund including a £50, contribution from the Art Fund and £, from members of the public.[2]
Description and production
Made in , the work depicts Admiral Nelson's ship HMS&#;Victory and measures cm x &#;cm x &#;cm.[3] The piece is intricate and features 80 cannons and 37 sails.[4]
Cultural significance
The work represents "Africa's complicated relationship with colonial lifestyles and values".[3] The sails are characteristic of West African clothing and are a tribute to the material which was taken by the Dutch during the colonial era.
It is also thought to represent the diversity of London as a multicultural city, created by the European expansion. This reflects the history of the real vessel, which is thought to have had 22 nationalities represented in its crew, and illustrates the symbolism of England's diversity today.[3] According to Shonibare:
"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 United Kingdom."[5]
A noticeable departure from the original ship is the African-patterned fabric used for the sails.
This fabric is symbolic of African identity and independence. This explores ties between colonialism and abolitionism, and the British relationship with indigenous peoples.[1]