Yinka Shonibare CBE, a British-Nigerian artist, engages deeply with themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and post-colonialism against the backdrop of globalization. A distinctive hallmark of Shonibare's work is the use of brightly colored Ankara fabric, which he incorporates into sculptures, installations, and various other mediums to explore and critique the complexities of identity and power dynamics. 

Shonibare's significant works include "Scramble for Africa," which revisits the 1884–1885 Berlin Conference that led to the arbitrary division of Africa by European powers. This piece uses headless figurines to symbolize the dehumanization inherent in colonial greed. "Nelson's Ship in a Bottle," his public art commission for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, directly engages with British imperial history through a scale model of HMS Victory, encapsulating themes of power, exploration, and colonial exploitation within a quintessentially British historical symbol.

Another notable aspect of Shonibare's art is his critique of modernism, particularly through works like "Line Painting," which playfully subverts the formalist doctrines of art for art's sake by introducing batik fabric into abstract compositions. This incorporation of materials associated with colonial trade into the language of abstract art serves as a potent critique of the exclusionary practices of the art world and its histories.

Throughout his career, Shonibare has been recognized for his contributions to contemporary art, receiving honors such as an MBE in 2004 and a CBE in 2019. His work has been showcased in major international venues, including documenta XI and the Venice Biennale, further cementing his status as a pivotal figure in exploring postcolonial identities within a global context.