SPACEWALK (FABRIC WORKSHOP PHILADELPHIA) 2002

"SPACEWALK (FABRIC WORKSHOP PHILADELPHIA)" (2002) by Yinka Shonibare is a striking mixed-media sculpture featuring two astronauts rendered in brightly patterned fabric. The astronauts' suits, composed of Dutch wax-printed cotton, challenge the typical imagery of space exploration by incorporating a distinctly African aesthetic. This interplay of cultural references reflects Shonibare's ongoing exploration of colonialism, globalization, and the complex history of identity in a postcolonial world. The use of fabric as a primary material further adds a layer of commentary, highlighting the role of textiles in both traditional African craftsmanship and the global market.