Dream & Discover

The Wick Culture - Discover Yinka Shonibare, Hibiscus Rising

Discover Yinka Shonibare, Hibiscus Rising

Photograph: courtesy of @rachieroo

A 10m-tall hibiscus flower has bloomed in the heart of Leeds, its vibrant petals bringing a splash of colour to the dark, redbrick surrounds. This giant bloom – unveiled last week as part of the city’s year of culture, Leeds 2023 – is the vision of artist Yinka Shonibare. Adorned with African-inspired batiq patterns, its petals appear to flap in the breeze.

The sculpture celebrates the cultural diversity of a city that was the birthplace of Europe’s oldest Caribbean carnival, while also acknowledging a dark chapter in Leeds’ history. It was commissioned in memory of David Oluwale, a British Nigerian and a local resident, who drowned in the River Aire in 1969, after being systematically harassed by members of the Leeds City police force. His story has left a mark on the city he came to from Nigeria to find a better life.

Rather than look back with sadness, Shonibare wanted Hibiscus Rising to be a symbol of hope, “an everyday reminder of our desire to improve the lives of all and a place for people to come together,” as he put it. The sculpture is also a riposte to the feats of white men commemorated in other parts of the city.

READ MORE
The Wick Culture - Night Feed I, 2022, by Caroline Walker
Dream & Discover

Discover Night Feed I, 2022, by Caroline Walker

The Wick Culture - Museum of Symbiosis, Faber Futures
Dream & Discover

Discover Museum of Symbiosis, 2023, by Faber Futures

The Wick Culture - PAN AFRICAN FLAG FOR THE RELIC TRAVELLERS' ALLIANCE (ASCENSION), 2017, by Larry Achiampong
Dream & Discover

Discover Pan African Flag for The Relic Travellers' Alliance (Ascension), 2017, by Larry Achiampong

The Wick Culture - The Kiss,1907-1908, Gustav Klimt
Dream & Discover

Dream The Kiss, 1907-1908 by Gustav Klimt 

The Wick Culture - Discover Yinka Shonibare, Hibiscus Rising
Dream & Discover

Dream Tree Planter, 2023 by Zhang Enli 

The Wick Culture - Mickalene Thomas,A Little Taste Outside of Love, 2007
Dream & Discover

Discover Mickalene Thomas