The Globe Head Ballerina fashioned from the mina of Yinka Shonibare
was installed on the outside of the Royal Opera House facing Russell Street on Tuesday
19 June 2012. It will be there for a duration of 5 years up until Sunday 18
June 2017.
Inspired by photographs of Margot Fonteyn, Shonibare created
a sculpture that was modelled on the ballerina soloist Melissa Hamilton. The
figure is encased in a snow globe as it rotates slowly inside it reminiscent of
a musical jewellery box.
The tutu is made with fabrics that have become a signature
of Shonibare’s work, choosing colours adopted from the African identity, which
I find is of a peculiar mix. Especially given the African dance styles are a
lot different to the styles of a ballerina.
“This piece is about bringing the childhood sense of magic and wonder to the façade of the Royal Opera House in a very grown up piece of public sculpture that can be enjoyed by all. It’s like a life-size fairytale ballerina jewellery box that will spin” – Yinka Shonibare
#GlobeHeadBallerina
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