For the real detectives: have you discovered the two mice on the table? Be sure to zoom in on the colorful clothing that the figures are wearing at the table. Yinka Shonibare designed so-called Vlisco fabrics. You see babies on petticoats, money bills on trousers and lobsters on suits.

The central figure at the table has very special feet. Ehhh, paws! The goat’s legs refer to the Roman god Bacchus. He is the God of wine, pleasure and excess. Bacchus gave bacchanals, lavish parties with lots of wine and loud music. Yinka Shonibare depicts Bacchus as Satyr, half man and half beast. The Satyr places his feelings above reason. Pleasure is more important than self-control. You will probably recognize it in the artwork!

The table companions literally seem to have lost their minds. By omitting the heads, Yinka Shonibare refers to the French Revolution. At the end of the 18th century (1789-1799), French citizens revolted against the ruling power and their excessive wealth. The revolution ended in a bloodbath. One by one the rulers were beheaded.