Yinka Shonibare
dal 30/10/2008 al 17/1/2009
Segnalato da
30/10/2008
Yinka Shonibare
Miami Art Museum, Miami
A Flying Machine for Every Man, Woman and Child, is a new installation created specifically for MAM. The site-specific work explores Miami's role as a destination for both tourists and immigrants and as a symbol of freedom and promise. Shonibare is best known for his installations and photographs that juxtapose African and European imagery, often modeling his compositions on canonized works from Western art history. The artist's installations include headless, anonymous mannequins dressed in elaborate Victorian fashions.
MIAMI — As part of its ongoing New Work series, Miami Art Museum will present Yinka Shonibare, MBE: A Flying Machine for Every Man, Woman and Child, a new installation created specifically for MAM. The site-specific work will explore Miami’s role as a destination for both tourists and immigrants and as a symbol of freedom and promise. Shonibare’s installation will premiere on October 31 and will remain on view in MAM’s “New Work” gallery through January 18, 2009.
“Yinka Shonibare’s references to immigration and the legacy of colonialism add an important perspective to the contemporary international dialogue at MAM,” said Director Terence Riley. “His work responds in unique ways to different layers of culture and history, just as Miami has developed its unique multicultural character through a dynamic blend of people and cultures from throughout the world.”
Born in Britain to Nigerian parents, Yinka Shonibare is best known for his installations and photographs that juxtapose African and European imagery, often modeling his compositions on canonized works from Western art history. The artist’s installations frequently include headless, anonymous mannequins dressed in elaborate Victorian fashions. These stunning costumes are made of batik fabrics like those first sold to Africans by Dutch traders in the 19th Century. Though they are manufactured in Britain and the Netherlands, these brightly-colored printed textiles remain strongly associated with Africa. Shonibare references this common misattribution in examining the larger cultural misconceptions and mythologies of colonialism.
The installation at MAM will feature an idealized nuclear family clothed in Shonibare’s wax-printed attire, each straddling a human-powered flying machine modeled after 19th century drawings. “A Flying Machine for Every Man, Woman and Child re-imagines the aspiration of flying, and by extension the dreams and promises that Miami has come to represent,” writes Shonibare. “The attempt at flying against all odds is a metaphor for the monumental efforts made by some of the inhabitants of Miami to reach a city which represents the promise of America.” The work also evokes the flights taken to Miami by millions of tourists seeking glamour and entertainment. Seeming to pre-date modern air travel, Shonibare’s machines symbolize the freedom sought by emigrants and tourists alike.
Media Contact:Mitch Snow
305.375.1705
snowmit@miamiartmuseum.org
Chris D’Aleo / Kira Garcia
Resnicow Schroeder Associates
212.671.5178 / 212.671.5155
cdaleo@resnicowschroeder.com
kgarcia@resnicowschroeder.com
Miami Art Museum
101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Open Tuesday through Friday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday – noon to 5 PM.
Third Thursdays until 8:30 PM. Closed Monday.
Admission for MAM members, children under 12 and students (with valid ID) is free.
Adults $8, seniors $4. Free admission on second Saturdays.