Refugee astronaut III.

Refugee astronaut three

Life-sized, floor-based sculpture of a refugee astronaut carrying a net containing various posessions. The space suit is made of Dutch wax printed cotton fabric, which is reminiscent of traditional Nigerian clothing.

Recorded audio description by VocalEyes of the sculpture on display in Wellcome Collection: https://vocaleyes.co.uk/being-human-at-wellcome-collection-recorded-audio-description/#player=12441&track=31

[2019]

1 sculpture : fibreglass ; 210 x 90 x 103 cm

"Dressed in an elaborate spacesuit, the monumental figure of Shonibare's Refugee Astronaut contrasts with their hastily-gathered net of possessions. Who are they? What has caused their hurried flight? The title suggests that this is a forced exile, an act of desperation rather than confident galactic exploration. As environmental breakdown displaces populations, how many of us will become refugees?"--From Being Human exhibition caption.

Wellcome Collection 3198545i

Exhibited in 'Being Human' at Wellcome Collection, London from 5th September 2019.