There is a terrific skit on Henry VIII in Yinka Shonibare’s new show at the Serpentine Gallery. It plays on the familiar outline of the incredible hulk in his feathered hat. His enormous garments are collaged out of printed woodgrain and African batik in brilliant-coloured patterns. His jowls are replaced with a stylised African mask.
Snippets of the FTSE index are incorporated here and there, beneath the single word King on a deep red expanse. But the image exceeds its obvious message about money, empire, bloodshed, plunder. For the sight gag works. Henry, in all his pomp, looks properly outraged, standing there with a face like thunder – forced to wear someone else’s mask.
