A new sculpture by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA has been commissioned by the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) to honour the life of the British Nigerian and Leeds resident whose personal story inspired local people to create a lasting legacy to mark his life. The sculpture will be unveiled as part of Leeds 2023, the city’s landmark year of culture.
Yinka Shonibare CBE to Create New Sculpture for Leeds
Commissioned by the David Oluwale Memorial Association
12 January 2021
Following years of work by DOMA, Shonibare’s sculpture will be a significant project in the programme for Leeds 2023. Currently in the research and development stage, with the support of a challenge grant from Leeds 2023, a scaled maquette will be produced by Shonibare in 2021 to accompany a series of community engagement events, an integral part of the project.
“It is an honour to have been asked to create this new work to remember an ordinary man with an extraordinary legacy. This sculpture will be a symbol of hope; an everyday reminder of our desire to improve the lives of all and a place for people to come together and I’m looking forward to working with DOMA and the communities where David lived in the months and years to come.” - Yinka Shonibare CBE.
The life of David Oluwale was cut short when he drowned in the River Aire in 1969 following years of mental ill-health, homelessness, racism, destitution and police persecution.
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA in his studio, 2014. Photographer: James Mollison.