British Nigerian artist explores themes of power, conflict, and refuge in his new solo exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery.

Yinka Shonibare, the British Nigerian artist renowned for his iconic Nelson’s Ship In A Bottle installation on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, is launching a solo exhibition at the Serpentine South Gallery. Titled Suspended States, the exhibition, running from April 12 to September 1, marks his first major show in a London public institution in over 20 years.

In a recent interview, Shonibare emphasized the importance of art as a space for reflection, especially in today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world. He believes that art can provide a much-needed pause for society to consider deeper issues, saying, “It’s fundamental that art can be a space that gives that opportunity for reflection.”

The exhibition features new and recent works exploring critical global themes. These include the impact of colonialism on ecology, the legacy of imperialism in conflict and peacebuilding efforts, and debates surrounding public statues. Among the standout pieces are two major installations: Sanctuary City, which represents places of refuge for persecuted and vulnerable groups through miniature buildings, and The War Library, a collection of 5,000 books bound in Dutch wax print symbolizing global conflicts and peace treaties.

Shonibare reflects on the urgency of addressing issues like war, refugees, homelessness, and environmental degradation, which are central to the exhibition. “The work really does tackle some of the pressing issues of our time,” he stated, underscoring the relevance of his art in today’s turbulent world.

This exhibition also marks a significant return for Shonibare, who first exhibited at Serpentine South in 1992 and participated in the gallery’s 2006 Interview Marathon. His work continues to provoke thought and conversation around urgent societal issues.