Yinka Shonibare CBE: Radical Hybridity

M WOODS presents two film works by British-born Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE in the museum's Temple Galleries in Beijing, China. 'Radical Hybridity' marks the first in a new series of projects at M WOODS that explore post-colonial theory, diasporic knowledge and Black intellectual thought in the context of China and East Asia. 

Shonibare's films 'Odile and Odette' and 'Addio del Passato' are shown within specially reconstructed Ming dynasty temples. Originally built on the museum’s site in 1452 by the Jingtai Emperor, these temples were the only buildings in the city to accommodate both lamas and monks. The films invite consideration of the period; a significant moment for cultural migration and cross-pollination in China.

Shonibare said, “I’m delighted that M WOODS have chosen to show my films at this prescient time. This will be the first significant presentation of my films in China, in such a unique setting and I’m happy to contribute to the wider important conversations on post-colonial affects and diasporic influence within this context.”