The artwork titled “FAKE DEATH PICTURE (THE SUICIDE, MANET)” is a piece by Yinka Shonibare, created in 2011. This work employs the medium of photography and is a notable addition to the Contemporary, Postcolonial art movement. The genre of this photographic piece fits within the broader spectrum of photo art.
In this artwork, the scene captures a dramatic portrayal of a figure lying on a bed, appearing to enact a tragic tableau reminiscent of 19th-century art styles. The figure is dressed in vivid and eclectic clothing, which juxtaposes traditional European attire with vibrant African patterns, reflecting Shonibare’s signature exploration of cultural hybridity. The person holds a firearm, indicative of a staged suicide. The setting is intimate, featuring a somber bedroom with distressed walls, a simple iron bed, and a richly patterned carpet. The atmospheric elements, along with the detailed composition, provoke a sense of contemplation about historical narratives and cultural intersections.
