DISCUS THROWER (AFTER MYRON) 2016

Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Discus Thrower (after Myron)’ is a sculpture that takes on a classical form and disrupts it with vibrant color and pattern. The Dutch wax fabric, which cloaks the figure, is so striking, it’s like the whole sculpture is breathing! Looking closely, this fabric isn’t just decorative; it’s a whole language. The wax print, originally produced by Europeans to sell in Indonesia, became a symbol of African identity, it’s history is a real head trip. Notice how the artist uses this fabric, that the figure is covered in, almost like a second skin. And then there's the head – a globe! It’s a playful move, really, suggesting we're all part of this game. Shonibare is brilliant at remixing histories and cultures, challenging us to rethink what we think we know. It reminds me of someone like David Hammons, who similarly invites a conversation about how we attribute meaning and value to the objects around us. Art, like life, is about ongoing dialogues and shifting perspectives, rather than fixed answers.