CHEEKY LITTLE ASTRONOMER III 2018

This sculpture by Yinka Shonibare features a figure dressed in vibrant fabrics, perched precariously on a wooden chair, gazing at the stars through a telescope. I imagine Shonibare piecing together these patterned textiles, each stitch a contemplation on the interconnectedness of cultures and histories. It's like he's asking: can we ever truly separate ourselves from the narratives we inherit? The headless figure is a provocation, perhaps on what is lost when we only accept tradition without thought. Look at the way the fabric drapes and folds – it's a riot of color and texture, yet there's a sense of unease, of something not quite settled. Like an urgent message. Shonibare’s work reminds me of Kerry James Marshall, who also uses figures to ask complicated questions about history, memory, and representation. I find comfort and inspiration in their practices.