How does referencing art of the past reveal social and economic realities that affect us in the present?  What does it mean when objects and symbols of historical oppression are subverted by contemporary artists and citizens?

To find out, listen to this episode recorded before Sharjah Biennial 15 opened, where Yinka Shonibare is in conversation with SB15 curator Hoor Al Qasimi.

In Sharjah, Shonibare  recreated eleven of London’s public statues and painted them in Dutch wax or batik fabric patterns. The work, called Decolonial Structures (2022), is a reminder of the violent legacies of once-powerful figures memorialised like this. 

All works are on view at Old Al Diwan Al Amiri till 11 June 2023.

Click here to view them online.

Press play to learn more about Shonibare’s practice, process and SB15 project as well as what makes his work speak to our current time and place.

To receive updates about the  15th Sharjah Biennial and the Sharjah Art Foundation’s year-round programme, follow us on Instagram @sharjahart.