The artwork titled “MEDUSA EAST,” created by Yinka Shonibare in 2015, employs the medium of photography and belongs to the contemporary and postcolonial art movements. This photographic piece, categorized within the genre of photo art, depicts a striking representation inspired by the mythological figure of Medusa.
In the artwork, a person is shown with an expressive, startled visage framed within a circular border adorned with intricate patterns. A striking element is the elaborate headpiece resembling Medusa’s iconic snakes, crafted from colorful, patterned fabrics, which contrasts vividly against the dark background. The composition combines elements of cultural symbolism, blending mythological reference with contemporary artistic expression, indicative of Shonibare’s exploration of identity, colonialism, and postcolonial narratives.
