WINGED VICTORY OF SAMOTHRACE 2017

Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Winged Victory of Samothrace’ is a sculptural work draped in vibrant Dutch wax print fabric, perched atop a classical plinth. The fabric choice is not just decorative; it's a powerful statement. Shonibare often uses this material, which might seem stereotypically African, to explore themes of colonialism and cultural identity. The fabric becomes a character in the story, bringing layers of meaning to the artwork. Take a close look at the way the fabric falls – it mimics the folds of classical drapery, but with a riot of color and pattern. The tension between the classical form and the contemporary fabric is what makes this piece so compelling. It’s like Shonibare is having a conversation across time and cultures, questioning our assumptions about history and representation. His use of the Winged Victory is reminiscent of Sherrie Levine's appropriation of modernist artworks. They both ask us to reconsider the relationship between originality and influence.