RA Family Album
Yinka Shonibare MBE RA
16 May 2016 - 14 May 2017
Burlington Gardens
Free.
RA Family Album brings together over 160 images that span the Royal Academy’s 248-year history. The juxtaposition of images reveals the rich tapestry of activity which takes place behind these walls.
From the renowned exhibitions, public debates, artists’ gatherings and stylish social events, to the more private making of art by RA Schools’ students and the skilled back-of-house operation, all give the place its life and vitality. This spread of images is topped by one of Shonibare’s signature colourful fabric designs, in this case of circles, selected as a sign of universal inclusiveness.
The artwork wraps the Royal Academy’s Burlington Gardens building during construction, which when reopened in 2018 will be united with Burlington House and Piccadilly by a design of David Chipperfield RA. Learn more about RA250, our 2018 project.
Free.
Yinka Shonibare talks about the artwork
Shonibare explains how his experience of the RA inspired his monumental piece, RA Family Album which surrounds the RA's Burlington Gardens site.
Until I was a Member I always thought the Academy was quite mysterious. With this work I’m trying to bring the inside outside.
Yinka Shonibare MBE RA
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Browse our exclusive Yinka Shonibare MBE RA range
This vividly colourful recycled leather bookmark fittingly displays a detail from The British Library installation with it's shelves of gold-titled books.
Be well travelled and and well read with this wonderfully colourful and detailed luggage tag by Yinka Shonibare MBE RA.
Never lose your Oyster card again with this highly distinctive recycled leather travelcard holder, printed with a detail from The British Library installation, 2014.