The artwork titled “HIGH TEA I,” created by Yinka Shonibare in 2015, belongs to the Contemporary, Postcolonial art movement and is classified as a sculpture. The piece exemplifies the artist’s engagement with themes of colonialism, identity, and globalization.
The artwork features a meticulously crafted figure dressed in elaborate and colorful attire, reminiscent of Victorian fashion yet imbued with vibrant patterns often attributed to African textiles. The figure stands tall on elongated wooden stilts, adding a whimsical yet imposing presence. The figure’s head is replaced with a globe, symbolizing the interconnectedness and the far-reaching impact of colonial histories. The figure is depicted in the act of holding a cup of tea, a subtle nod to British colonial traditions. The fusion of diverse cultural elements in this piece challenges and provokes thought on historical narratives and cultural identity.
