Ever since I learned that most of Egon Schiele's work is in state-owned museums in Austria, I have longed to visit Vienna. And, of course, there is my inexplicable fondness for Kruder & Dorfmeister. It's looking even more intriguing now that I've found out that work by British/Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare is going to show at Kunsthalle Vien this summer. Here's some text from the catalog:
In a playful, humorous and visually overwhelming way, Shonibare's work tackles important issues in contemporary society, such as multiculturalism, identity, ethnicity and globalization. Besides photographs of Shonibare's most important works from 1994 onwards, this publication includes a selection of essays written by specialists in various fields, exploring themes which occupy an important place in the artist's oeuvre, such as trade in 'African' batik fabrics, the history of the dandy, sexuality and recreational activities of the Victorian aristocracy, and the rise of modernism in Nigeria. An interview with the artist provides insight into his sources of inspiration and recent artwork which has influenced him.
I couldn't find much about the exhibition itself, but I hope it includes a piece called "The Swing," a multimedia sculptural reinterpretation of Jean-Honore Fragonard's Rococo painting of the same name. I read an article (in Women's Wear Daily, of all places) that discussed the work, included in an exhibition called "Double Dress" that was held at The Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea in Milan last Fall.
Here is what Amanda Kaiser wrote about it in an article entitled "Batik Chic," (WWD, 9/8/03):
...In a style-sensitive take on the relationship between Europe and Africa, the 41-year old artist crafts African batik fabrics into 18th and 19th century-style garments. But he also sews the colorful prints into stuffed aliens, to reflect society's fears of the unknown, whether cultural or extraterrestrial...In Shonibare's version [of "The Swing"], a batik-bedecked mannequin seductively kicks her legs up on a garden swing. But the top layer of this aristocrat's frilly frock is printed with a Chanel logo. She is also headless, in a cheeky nod to the imminent French Revolution. Nothing put an end to those idle days quite like the guillotine.
During my own upcoming idle days, as my current professional assignment ends and I search for another, I hope I can make it to Vienna. Heady stuff!
Related: Yinka Shonibare: Double Dutch.
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