A vibrant sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare commemorates the life of David Oluwale and celebrates the diversity of Leeds
Against the backdrop of Leeds’ red-brick buildings, a striking public artwork has recently been unveiled. “Hibiscus Rising,” a 10-meter tall sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare, stands proudly in a quiet park in the heart of Leeds city center. The sculpture, adorned with colorful batik fabric designs, is a celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage and a tribute to the memory of David Oluwale, a British-Nigerian man who tragically lost his life in 1969 due to racial persecution. As part of the city’s year of culture, Leeds 2023, the sculpture serves as a symbol of healing and remembrance, inviting reflection on the past while looking towards a more inclusive future.
Remembering David Oluwale: A Dark Chapter in Leeds’ History
Hibiscus Rising was commissioned as a memorial to David Oluwale, whose life was cut short by racist police brutality in 1969. Oluwale, a British-Nigerian man, was hounded and beaten by two officers, eventually drowning in the River Aire while fleeing persecution. The officers responsible for his death were convicted and served prison sentences, marking a landmark case in the fight against racial injustice. The legacy of this shameful crime still lingers in Leeds, as evidenced by the theft of a blue plaque in Oluwale’s memory just hours after it was unveiled last year. The incident sparked a powerful response from the community, with citizens displaying images of the plaque across the city as a show of solidarity.
A Symbol of Healing and Unity
Yinka Shonibare, the artist behind Hibiscus Rising, wanted the sculpture to evoke a sense of healing and unity. Rather than focusing on the circumstances of Oluwale’s death, Shonibare sought to create something joyful and uplifting. Drawing inspiration from his own childhood in Nigeria, Shonibare chose the hibiscus flower as the central motif. The hibiscus, a symbol of beauty, love, empathy, and passion, resonated with the artist’s memories of happier times. By incorporating batik fabric designs popular in West Africa, Shonibare pays homage to the diverse cultures that make up Leeds’ vibrant community.
Leeds 2023: A Year of Cultural Celebration
Leeds 2023 has been a year of vibrant cultural celebrations, showcasing the city’s artistic talent and rich heritage. The year-long event was organized after Leeds’ bid to become the European Capital of Culture was thwarted due to Brexit. Despite financial challenges, Leeds has emerged as a cultural hub, attracting artists and performers from all over the world. Hibiscus Rising, funded by the council, Leeds 2023, Art Fund, Arts Council England, and the Henry Moore Foundation, stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and determination to tell important stories through art.
Yinka Shonibare: A Champion of Challenging Colonial Narratives
Yinka Shonibare’s selection for the creation of Hibiscus Rising was no coincidence. Known for his thought-provoking artworks that explore themes of colonialism, Shonibare has gained international recognition for his use of batik fabric designs overlaid on traditional European colonial statues. In Leeds, where an audit of statues revealed a lack of representation for figures like Edward Colston, a slave owner whose statue was torn down in Bristol, Hibiscus Rising stands as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and a challenge to traditional narratives of empire and white superiority.
Conclusion: Hibiscus Rising, with its vibrant colors and symbolic meaning, has become a landmark sculpture in Leeds. It serves as a reminder of the dark chapter in the city’s history while celebrating its diverse and resilient community. Yinka Shonibare’s artwork invites reflection, healing, and unity, encouraging conversations about racial justice and the importance of inclusivity. As Leeds continues to grow culturally and economically, Hibiscus Rising stands as a powerful testament to the city’s commitment to progress and its determination to confront its past while building a more inclusive future.
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