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.