Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, became the first African artist to display artwork in any public space in Great Britain, when he unveiled his work 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle' in London's Trafalgar Square on May 24. Yinka's piece, sitting on top of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, consists of a scale model of Nelson's HMS Victory set in a glass bottle, and is the largest recorded ship in a bottle in the world, measuring 2.8M by 4.7M. The ship's 37 large sails are made of exuberant and richly patterned African cloth, and symbolise African identity and independence. The artwork is sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank of Nigeria who earlier in 2010 registered another first when it sponsored Chris Ofili's collection at Tate Britain, making it the first African corporation to sponsor a major artwork in Great Britain. Available video includes shots of the artwork being crafted, video from the unveiling as well and soundbites with Yinka Shonibare, Guaranty Trust Bank CEO, Tayo Aderinokun, and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
Source: The News Market
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