BOY ON GLOBE 2014

Yinka Shonibare’s sculpture, Boy on Globe, presents a headless figure teetering on a vibrant globe. The boy’s stance, arms outstretched, implies a precarious balancing act. I imagine Shonibare contemplating the weight of the world, the position of youth, the symbolism of headless bodies. The Dutch wax fabric, with its colonial origins, introduces layers of cultural commentary. The colours scream of trade and exchange, but here they are a dizzying mix! Shonibare’s figures often explore themes of identity, colonialism, and globalization, inviting us to think about our place in the world and the intricate web of history and power that shapes it. He also likes to play with gravity and perspective. This piece connects to his larger body of work through its engagement with post-colonial discourse and its use of vibrant textiles. Like other artists, Shonibare is building upon a history of social commentary, and inviting us to question fixed narratives and consider multiple perspectives.