DISCOBOLUS (AFTER NAUKYDES) 2017

Yinka Shonibare’s sculpture "DISCOBOLUS (AFTER NAUKYDES)" presents a vibrant twist on classical Greek art. The figure is adorned with Dutch wax print fabric, known for its complex patterns and colors, offering a striking visual contrast to the smooth marble of classical sculpture. This fabric, though often associated with African identity, has its roots in Dutch colonial trade, creating a complex dialogue about cultural appropriation and globalization. The globe in place of a head further destabilizes notions of cultural or geographical fixity. The sculpture prompts questions about the interplay between different cultural traditions and how these intersections redefine our understanding of art history. The use of these textiles challenges the purity of classical forms, suggesting a more layered, hybrid understanding of culture and identity. The tension between the classical form and the culturally loaded fabric design encourages us to view both through a new lens, challenging established aesthetic and cultural categories.