Gainsborough painting meets contemporary sculpture at National Gallery
Exhibition 'Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation' runs until February 2027.
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The National Gallery is presenting a dialogue between historical and contemporary art, featuring Thomas Gainsborough's circa 1750 painting 'Mr and Mrs Andrews' and Yinka Shonibare's 1998 sculpture 'Mr. and Mrs. Andrews without their Heads'. The exhibition, named 'Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation', allows visitors to view the two works together for the first time.
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Gainsborough's 'Mr and Mrs Andrews' depicts landowners on their estate. The painting, which was re-appraised as a masterpiece of Gainsborough's early work, is noted for its focus on the farm and the subtle expressions of the subjects, as well as the absence of farm workers. Shonibare's sculpture is a modern response to the original, reinterpreting the landed gentry with their heads removed and incorporating African print Dutch wax cotton in place of the original clothing colours. The sculpture's background is deliberately plain, contrasting with the English farmland scene in Gainsborough's work.
Logistical challenges for contemporary art
The transportation of Yinka Shonibare's sculpture to London presented specific logistical considerations for the National Gallery. Rab MacGibbon, Bernays Associate Curator of British Paintings, explained that the presence of a replica hunting rifle within the sculpture required attention. Although a replica, the item necessitated clear labelling and appropriate paperwork to satisfy customs regulations, particularly at Heathrow Airport, to avoid any misinterpretation of potential smuggling.
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The exhibition is accessible to the public without charge and is scheduled to continue until February 7, 2027. Visitors can find 'Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation' in Room 1 of the National Gallery.
Questions this report answers
+What is the exhibition at the National Gallery about?
The exhibition, 'Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation', pairs Gainsborough's circa 1750 painting 'Mr and Mrs Andrews' with Yinka Shonibare's 1998 sculpture 'Mr. and Mrs. Andrews without their Heads', which was inspired by the painting.
+When does the exhibition run until?
The exhibition is open until February 7, 2027. Visitors can see the works together in Room 1 of the National Gallery.
+Is there an entry fee for the exhibition?
No, the exhibition 'Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation' is free to visit. It is located in Room 1 of the National Gallery.
+Were there any special considerations for displaying the sculpture?
Yes, Yinka Shonibare's sculpture includes a replica hunting rifle, which meant the National Gallery had to consider import licenses and ensure clear labelling and paperwork for customs clearance.
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