Paradise Beyond showcases a selection of sculpture, installation, collage, drawing, photography and film by Yinka Shonibare MBE, from the period 2004 – 2016. Exploring themes of race, class and power, Shonibare's seductive and humorous work makes sensitive socio-cultural topics accessible to the audience.
The exhibition focuses on the repetition in historical cycles of wealth, conflict, revolution and war, in the ultimate quest for paradise. "Paradise Beyond" suggests that somewhere beyond the horizon lies paradise - but where and when this will be found remains uncertain.
Shonibare is known for his use of colourful African batik fabric sourced from the Helmond-based Vlisco textile factory. The Vlisco patterns or imitation batik are inspired by Indonesian design and for several decades have been very popular in West Africa. Since the 1960s the fabrics have been used as a symbol of African identity and independence - which supports Shonibare’s motto: nothing is what it seems.