“DREAMSCAPE,” created by artist Yinka Shonibare in 2002, is a work of photography that resides within contemporary and postcolonial art movements. This piece, characterized as a photo, visually explores themes pertinent to its genre and medium.
The artwork depicts a surreal landscape featuring various forms that rise from an undulating terrain of sand dunes. Each form is meticulously adorned in vibrant and patterned textiles, commonly associated with African cultural heritage. The fabrics’ varied colors and intricate designs stand out starkly against the muted landscape, creating a striking juxtaposition. The arrangement of these forms invokes the image of an otherworldly forest, with each textile-draped figure resembling a plant or organic growth, contributing to its dreamlike quality. The clear blue sky overhead provides a serene backdrop, enhancing the overall surreal and imaginative ambiance of the scene.