Yinka Shonibare CBE : Justice for All

15 Jun-31 Jul 2020

Overview

In light of the events of the past month and the Black Lives Matter movement, Stephen Friedman Gallery has been amplifying its artists' voices in solidarity with the cause. To mark the reopening of the gallery, a monumental work by acclaimed British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE is presented for the first time in the UK. The sculpture is installed in the gallery’s Viewing Room, making ‘Justice for All’ visible from the street and giving the work the public focus it deserves. Lights remain on during the night to make the sculpture available to the public 24/7. Shonibare explains, “I wanted to think about Justice, especially in the light of George Floyd’s tragic death. This particular work was exhibited at Singapore’s Old Parliament House earlier this year. Justice has to be equally applied. People of African origin do not seem to have fair justice. Those injustices have always been there and things have to change. Some of these issues I've explored in my work have been going on for thirty years and I’m sad to think that those things are still going on." ‘Justice for All’ re-configures British sculptor F.W. Pomeroy’s Lady Justice (1905- 1906), which stands upon the dome of London’s imposing Central Criminal Court (otherwise known as The Old Bailey). Instead of her habitual golden garb, Shonibare’s Lady Justice is depicted wearing a brightly patterned, ankle-length garment, apparently fashioned from ‘African’ batik. With both hands outstretched, Lady Justice wields a sword in her right hand and balances the scales of justice in her left. In place of a head, she sports a hand-painted globe, featuring a map of the world. Shonibare’s oeuvre investigates notions of imperialist authority and power. Seducing us with its colour and beauty, Shonibare re-interprets Lady Justice for an interior setting, whilst retaining the dramatic impact of the iconic public sculpture.