Guaranty Trust Bank Plc is set to sponsor the first exhibit by a black artist on the world famous fourth Plinth, Trafalgar square in London.
By this, the bank is once again set to reinforce its position as a foremost African financial brand and a proudly African, Truly international institution.
The work, ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’ was created by leading British Born, Nigerian Artist, Yinka Shonibare MBE and would be unveiled on the 24th of May, 2010.
Commissioned by the Mayor of London, the artwork will be the first commission on the Fourth Plinth to reflect specifically on the historical symbolism of Trafalgar Square and is also the first of such commissions by a black artist.
Explaining the artwork, Yinka Shonibare, the creator said the work is a celebration of London’s immense ethnic wealth, giving expression to and honoring the many cultures and ethnicities that are still breathing precious wind into the sails of the UK. “A ship in a bottle is an object of wonder. Adults and children are intrigued by its mystery.”
The ship’s 37 large sails will be made of exuberant and richly patterned textiles commonly associated with African dress and symbolic of African identity and independence. Tying together historical and global threads, the work considers the legacy of Britain’s expansion in trade and Empire, made possible through the freedom of the seas that Nelson’s Victory provided.
Tayo Aderinokun, managing director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank and an avid art enthusiast remarked that the bank was extremely proud to be sponsoring a unique artwork for an iconic location by an accomplished artist.
“Yinka’s work is being exhibited in the same year as Nigeria celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence. The multiculturalism of London is a key component of the legacy of colonialism, and we hope that this high-profile and important work helps to create a similar debate in Nigeria in such an important year,” he added.
Boris Johnson, the mayor of London speaking on exhibit said: “Set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic symbols of Britain’s seafaring heritage, Yinka Shonibare’s ship, with its riot of colour, makes a powerful statement that will intrigue and inspire in equal measure. “It is a stunning work, with history and culture from West Africa to East Asia, woven in its sails, much as the threads of those places and their people are woven in the fabric of the capital. It is also particularly timely, with its message of the complex relationship between Africa and Europe coming as Nigeria marks its 50th year of independence. This is clearly the work of an artist at the top of his game, and I’m sure Londoners will enjoy it greatly.”
