New sculpture from Yinka Shonibare CBE RA to be unveiled as part of LEEDS 2023, creating a powerful legacy for the city in celebration of the life of David Oluwale

‘Hibiscus Rising’, a new sculpture by international artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, will be unveiled in Leeds on 25 November as part of LEEDS 2023, Year of Culture. Co-commissioned by The David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) to honour the life of Oluwale.

David Oluwale was a British Nigerian Leeds resident who was hounded to his death on 18 April 1969, drowning in the River Aire as a result of systematic police harassment and violence. Like Shonibare, David Oluwale spent his childhood in Lagos, moving to Leeds in 1949.  Oluwale faced homelessness, mental ill-health and racism in the years before his death, his legacy has since inspired protest, reflection and reform in Leeds and beyond.

‘Hibiscus Rising’ is inspired by the hibiscus flower, a plant ubiquitous in Nigeria. This 10m high public artwork features Shonibare’s renowned African-inspired batik patterns, which explore themes of cultural and national identity. The flower grows all over Nigeria, where both Shonibare and Oluwale spent their childhoods, and for the artist evokes joyful memories of youth. The sculpture will be at the centre of a landscape designed by urban and rural place design company Planit-IE whose vision of ruptured ground giving way to the growth of the sculpture will create a striking setting. The sculpture will be located in the South Bank on Meadow Lane, next to the river in which he died and the recently opened David Oluwale footbridge.

Kully Thiarai, Creative Director and CEO of LEEDS 2023 said: “’Hibiscus Rising’ is one of the most significant projects for LEEDS 2023 and we have been looking forward to seeing this new public artwork realised for a long time. David’s life story is incredibly important to the city and to remember him with such an extraordinary piece of art that will remain in Leeds long after our Year of Culture is something we are extremely proud to be a part of. We hope that ‘Hibiscus Rising’ will be a symbol of hope, a place for reflection and for coming together in Leeds to look towards a positive future.”

Yinka Shonibare said: “The sculpture will serve as a meeting point for reconciliation, a place of healing, a monument to the care of the most vulnerable in society. A pledge to address issues of poverty, mental health care, police harassment, homelessness and all types of discrimination. Here a new hope is created out of discord and trauma.”

Since 2008, the DOMA charity has been working to promote equality, diversity and racial harmony in Leeds, using art and events to remember Oluwale’s life and create positive change. ‘Hibiscus Rising’ is a flagship project for the charity with the sculpture and surrounding green space considered as a place for performance and play, contemplation and reflection. In the run up to the unveiling of the sculpture, DOMA are organising events across Leeds to mark this significant moment for the city, including an African-themed fundraising dinner (29 September) and a guided walk around Leeds in David Oluwale’s footsteps led by Joe Williams (10 September).

Dr Emily Zobel Marshall, co-chair of DOMA says: “David’s story has left a mark on the city he came to from Nigeria to find a better life. Hibiscus Rising will be a memorial for him and also a symbol for the city, a reminder of issues still faced by many today and a place for quiet contemplation as well as cultural celebration.

I took part in a consultation and review of all statues by Leeds City Council, which resulted in the suggestion to ‘commission works of art that commemorate the contributions of the diverse citizens of Leeds’ in July 2022. It’s wonderful to see Leeds City Council committed to supporting ‘Hibiscus Rising’ and delivering on that vital recommendation.

A better future can only be built on a better understanding of the past and remembering David through ‘Hibiscus Rising’ can help us with that, leaving a legacy of hope and creativity.”

Following a public consultation and review of all statues which resulted in the suggestion to ‘commission works of art that commemorate the varied contributions of the diverse citizens of Leeds’ in July 2022 Leeds City Council committed to supporting ‘Hibiscus Rising’ to deliver on that recommendation.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The unveiling of this magnificent new public artwork is a moment Leeds can be truly proud of and one which makes a powerful statement about the city and what it stands for.

“As well as being a beautiful new addition to Leeds, Hibiscus Rising will also stand as a lasting tribute to the life and legacy of David Oluwale and, alongside the David Oluwale memorial bridge, will be a symbol of the inclusion, diversity and unity which are the cornerstones of Leeds today.

“We’re immensely proud to have worked the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA), LEEDS 2023 and internationally renowned artist Yinka Shonibare to bring this stunning project to life.”

This project is a collaboration between The David Oluwale Memorial Association, LEEDS 2023 and Leeds City Council. With support from Art Fund, Arts Council England and the fabrication of Hibiscus Rising was supported by a grant from the Henry Moore Foundation.

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “Hibiscus Rising will be the largest permanent sculpture by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA in the UK. His monumental work, commemorating David Oluwale, will raise awareness of Oluwale’s tragic story whilst inspiring communities and visitors through art. I’m delighted that Art Fund has supported Leeds City Council to commission this important work as part of LEEDS 2023 and look forward to its unveiling in November”.