![Yinka Shonibare RA, Cheeky Little Astronomer (detail) Yinka Shonibare RA, Cheeky Little Astronomer (detail)](https://cloudinary.royalacademy.org.uk/royal-academy/image/upload/c_fill,cs_tinysrgb,dn_72,f_auto,fl_progressive.keep_iptc,w_1280,h_720,ar_16:9/rz8xiynhr2kfedf02rhv.jpg)
In 60 seconds: Shonibare’s ‘Cheeky Little Astronomer’
By Tiffany Greenoak
Published on 13 May 2020
Discover how multicultural influences fuse together to create a wider view of global inclusivity in Yinka Shonibare RA’s cheeky sculpture.
Combining different references with his interest in multiculturalism, Shonibare’s sculpture was commissioned for an exhibition at the Astronomer Royal’s apartments (part of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.) Shonibare describes the sculpture as aspirational: “The work also evokes magic. Looking into the stars, there’s something aspirational, forward-looking and magical about the piece”.
![Making Modernism painting Making Modernism](https://cloudinary.royalacademy.org.uk/royal-academy/image/upload/c_fill,cs_tinysrgb,dn_72,f_auto,fl_progressive.keep_iptc,w_708,h_398,ar_16:9/dk20srll5p6acgu4c869.png)
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