Toyin Saraki Celebrates Nigerian-Born Artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, Smithsonian National History Museum Of African American Art

The Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs Toyin Saraki, a long-standing supporter and advocate of creative arts, congratulated Nigerian-born artist and sculptor, Yinka Shonibare MBE, on the occasion of his Wind Sculpture VII; which has formed a central exhibit at the newly opened Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, unveiled in Washington DC by President Barack Obama on Saturday.

In a goodwill message to mark the opening of his concurrent solo exhibitions at the Yale Center for British Art, Connecticut, the ‘Paradise Beyond’ at Gemeentemuseum Helmond in the Netherlands, and his sixth solo exhibition at the Stephen Friedland Gallery, United Kingdom, Mrs Saraki said:

“I certainly agree that Yinka's work is a celebration of human expression, achievement, beauty and the pursuit of intellectual and religious liberty, regardless of race and time.‎ I am so proud of Yinka's achievements, as a Nigerian, and as an African, who should be recognised and celebrated, not just globally as evidenced by his MBE, but at home in Nigeria too.”

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture was inaugurated by President Obama last week, to celebrate African American culture and history, others who attended include President George W Bush, Oprah Winfrey, and Will Smith. Mrs. Saraki was recently in attendance of America's First Couple at the Smithsonian Tribute to legendary performer, Ray Charles.

In 2012, Mrs. Toyin Saraki hosted the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at an Every Woman Every Child outreach to the Nigerian creative and design sector. In attendance were Editor of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani and renowned fashion designer Roberto Cavalli.