Yinka Shonibare
#188,538 Most Popular
About
British-Nigerian artist whose work is a reflection of contemporary globalisation. Half of his body is paralyzed, forcing him to use assistants to create works under his direction.
Before Fame
He became afflicted with transverse myelitis at the age of 18, causing the paralysis of half of his body. He then went to Byam Shaw School of Art, later called Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, before attending Goldsmiths, University of London to get his Master of Fine Arts.
Trivia
His accolades include being shortlisted for the Turner Prize for his Double Dutch exhibition in 2004 and being awarded an MBE in 2004. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Academy of Arts in 2014 and was elected Royal Academician by the Royal Academy of Arts in 2013.
Family Life
He moved to Lagos, Nigeria with his family when he was three years old, returning to England when he was 17. He has a son named Kayode Shonibare-Lewis who became an indie game developer and 3D artist.
Associated With
He had two Victorian style dresses in the personal collection of Charles Saatchi in 1997.
