Last Friday, Nov. 24, renowned British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, in coordination with the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, unveiled his latest work "Hibiscus Rising" depicting a 33-foot-tall recreation of its namesake and exotic flower. Its reveal was part of the city's "Year of Culture, LEEDS 2023."
Today a powerful new sculpture by @SHONIBARESTUDIO was unveiled to honour David Oluwale and celebrate #Leeds rich cultural heritage.
— The National Lottery Heritage Fund North (@HeritageFundNOR) November 24, 2023
Learn about the community programme we're really proud to support as part of the project 👉 https://t.co/kvTTyBVVpz pic.twitter.com/hkuFasbyAF
The sculpture features vibrant hues thanks to Shonibare's utilization of "Batik," an Indonesian fabric design that is widely used across West Africa. The artist's artwork stands stall between the classic red-bricked buildings of the City, within the Aire park located in southern Leeds.
Reception for the artwork has been widely positive according to Shonibare's statement to The Guardian, citing the "smiling" reactions of the locals who stopped by to have a look. The flower structure was made to celebrate Leeds' diversity of culture, with its residents comprising over 169 different nationalities.
However, "Hibiscus Rising" is also a striking homage to a regrettable moment in the city's history.
A Tribute to David Oluwale, Rich With Meaning
Shonibare was originally commissioned to create a sculpture in memory of David Oluwale and his story.
Oluwale, a British-Nigerian man, primarily worked as one of the hands tasked with rebuilding post-war Britain until he died in 1969 when he fell victim to a horrendous act of racism from the police. He was reportedly hounded and beaten, before drowning in the River Aire after he fled from two officers trying to persecute him.
In 2022, the shameful crime's "hate" would only continue to be felt within the city years after Oluwale's passing, when a plaque placed for his remembrance was immediately stolen hours after it was put up. Leeds citizens, in response, bounced back from the incident by posting hundreds upon hundreds of images of the plaque across the city.
Swarthmore are saddened to hear the news about the attack & vandalism to the Blue Plaque commemorating David Oluwale. It is sad not only because of the activities surrounding his death, but that this final act of commemoration was not allowed peace & dignity. @RememberOluwale pic.twitter.com/Q79qYnR2tk
— Swarthmore Leeds (@SwarthmoreLeeds) April 28, 2022
In reflection, Shonibare endeavored to reframe the sculpture away from the bleakness of the incidents surrounding Oluwale's death, as he wanted the sculpture to be a symbol of progress and hope.
"When I was asked to make a sculpture to commemorate David Oluwale's life, I felt that it should be something happy, should be something that will help people to heal and move forward," the artist said
The artist took inspiration from his own childhood in Nigeria. As a boy, Shonibare saw the hibiscus flower growing everywhere in his home country and would often feed on its nectar. In Shonibare's mind, this brought him to memories of happier moments, and would like to bring forth the same sentiment in regard to Oluwale's legacy.
"So I felt that this symbolism of the hibiscus - representing beauty, love, empathy, passion - would be appropriate for his memorial," Shonibare shared.
