Shonibare’s lavish re-working of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper,  described as his ‘largest and most complex sculptural tableaux’,  is one of the main pieces of the exhibition. In Shonibare’s fantasy, Christ is replaced by Dionysus – the mythological God of fertility and wine – surrounded by twelve over-indulged disciples in various states of sexual abandonment. The celebration of mindless excess continues in Banker (2013), which depicts a sharply dressed mannequin simulating a lewd act with a champagne bottle.

Headless figures and the use of Dutch waxed fabric are common motifs in Shonibare’s work. Throughout the exhibition, the colorful Batik print is used in the tailored costumes of the figures and the cloth also appears in the installationToy Paintings. Manufactured by the Dutch, and initially for sale in Indonesia, it was only after the textile failed to take-off that it eventually made its way to West Africa. A signature of his practice for nearly two decades, Shonibare’s use of ‘African’ material  – that is actually European in origin – plays on its rather complex colonial history. The beheaded figures are an attempt by Shonibare to discourage associations with race on the part of the viewer.

Large-scale self-portraits based on Andy Warhol’s Camouflage series of 1986, which represent new lines of enquiry for Shonibare, also deserve a mention amidst all the decadence and depravity on show. Yinka Shonibare is of course the man behind the widely acclaimed Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle, commissioned for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square – and now on permanent display at the National Maritime Museum. Shonibare’s new work should resonate with audiences, losing none of its theatre, colour and style  in its witty and damning take on contemporary life. (Words: Eri Otite)

Yinka Shonibare: POP! is on at the Stephen Friedman Gallery, from 16 March – 20 April. For more info, visit www.stephenfriedman.com

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Expect to be cheered on by crowds of spectators and maybe even the odd clown or two (yes, really!). Live music from the Lost Marbles String Band will spur on the contestants, who will be rewarded with pancakes for taking part. The race raises money for the London Air Ambulance, so take along a donation or convince your friends to sponsor you! If you still haven’t had your fill of pancakes after the race, you can stop by The Breakfast Club nearby for stacks of American pancakes, berries and syrup or visit Crêpeaffaire for a classic French savory or sweet crepe.

The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race takes place on the 21st February 2012 at 12.30pm at Dray Walk, The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane. Further info can be found here: http://www.alternativearts.co.uk/events (Words: Clare Ebberson, Pic: © Alternative Arts) 

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WigWamBam is at the Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, and is open Monday to Friday 4-10pm and Saturday 6-10pm until March 2012. More information can be found here: www.queenofhoxton.com (Words: Clare Ebberson) 

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When it arrived, the queues were crazy – and it was only 7:30am.  Doors were due to open at 8am. Once that happened, there was a great rush inside; women clamoured after bags and shoes; men were hammering through the legendary 5-pockets, simply because nothing beats a pair of Diesel jeans for £15….

It was mayhem, but in such an orderly manner as people seemed to know what they were doing and what they were after. As I watched in complete awe, a lot of bargains passed me by. I had no idea of where to begin, but once I found my footing, I got into the groove, spending way more than planned but coming away with the equivalent of 2 boxes worth of goods. 

After this experience,  sample sales are now my only destination to shop.

There are downsides to sample sales, such as the clothes only coming in certain sizes.  They are ‘samples’ after all, and in some cases, there tends to be only limited stock. Also some sales are better than others and most of the time it is about knowing someone who works for the brand or company to give you the heads up. But when you have an opportunity to go…GO! Especially in the run-up to Christmas.  So here are my top tips to making the most of them:

• Come with a friend. Two sets of eyes are better than one
• Have a plan. Know what you are looking for, and head for it first! (I’d say go for the essentials i.e. bags, shoes….)
• Don’t panic. Keep calm and just join the masses in the organised chaos.
• Be prepared to spend…but give yourself a budget! You want to get key items/pieces, but not everything just because it’s cheaper
• Try on every item you pick for yourself.  In the majority of cases, there are no refunds or returns on sample sale goods.
• Stand next to someone with a big box.  See what they throw out as it may be what you’ve been looking for
• Try to stay ’til the end. There may be more bargains to be had!
• Lastly, PAY by cash. Queuing times are simply shorter

 (Words: Nastassja Lusengo)

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The area in London I call home is… East London. I’ve also happily lived West and Walthamstow, but East London wins.

I’ve got to have a meal at…Addis at Kings Cross. I am a sucker for injera (traditional Ethiopian bread). If anyone knows of better Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants, holler at your girl.

I tend to get my threads from…Charity shops, festivals, clothing exchanges, sample sales, friends, the street. I used to work at Buffalo Exchange in New York and tend to stock up whenever I go back. I also love Laura Dawson, a London-based American designer with admirable eco-values and great easy-wearin’ pieces.

To enjoy London’s nightlife,  you should…Stay local so you can stay out as late as you’d like–or arrange a crashpad in your going-out area of choice. Nurse a bottle as you stroll to your destination. Avoid standing in line. Seek live music (Songkick is rad for this). Make new friends. Also, throw your own parties. Invite me–I’ll DJ.

If I were mayor, I would...Support more free summer events. That's the biggest thing New York has over London--I miss the great (and gratis) concerts, festivals, films, theater. It's a wonderful way for public and private sectors to engage with citizens. Additionally, I'd work to make the 25 bus somewhat bearable--it'd be a tough fight, but I'd be ready to battle.

My favourite spot to check out art is…Whitechapel Art Gallery. It’s around the corner from my house, and I never risk “museum fatigue” in going to such a tiny space. I also have a great fondness for the Salvador Dalí Universe. I love that dude.

I’d kindly tell a tourist to…Eat at St. Johns Bread and Wine. It will change any negative perceptions of British cuisine.

The things I miss when I leave London are…Amazing gigs aplenty, hundreds of ales, American expats (the cream of the crop fly the coop).

My soundtrack to London would include…

This is my QUESTION! The Note Well publishes six-track playlists every now and again. For some reason, they are always monosyllabic in name. Here’s my playlist for LONDON MUSIC:

“Sun” by Caribou. Good for when it’s raining, great for when it’s bright. Also, Caribou Dan and guitarist Ryan live in London–again, go local when possible. And the Kidstreet remix of this song is great for keeping cool on a crowded and insane 25 bus.

“Dodfucksupanescorttune” by Drums of Death. It’s my UK mobile ringtone, so if you hear a tinny, lo-fi version pop up randomly around town, it means I’m around, and I’m blowin’ up.

“Super Inuit (live)” by Holy Fuck. For walking somewhere super fast. If you underestimate your distance to be traveled (as I often do), the rest of the album will power you through.

“Fire Dream” by Patten. For if you need something fresh. Damien (the man behind the band) is a wonderful human being, and he gigs in London quite often. GO.

“White Sails” by Marques Toliver. For when you feel lost in the world. Marques lives locally (though he’s from Florida, like me) and has a habit of busking all around.

“Lost in the World” by Kanye West (feat. everyone) – For when it feels great to be alive in one of the greatest cities ever.

And Owen Pallett/Final Fantasy for all other times,  always.

To find out more about The Notewell, visit: www.thenotewell.com

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Click here to buy tickets for Robert Glasper at XOYO, November 16th. 

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Made up of a troop of females, the Gingerline experience is both dinnertime, performance and art all at once; a piece of interactive food theatre on a mystery tour. Guests pay up in advance and only receive a text 1 hour prior to the event…just enough time to make a bee line for the gingerline to board the gravy train (who could resist?) . Past themes have included 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and a Brunel inspired underwater banquets (well, technically it was in the museum but some of the performances took place in a tunnel). Each event promises a unique experience of good home cooked food, space design and bespoke menu art. All events are released via social media or a mailing list and are a limited affair (you can’t book for more than 6 people). So if you want to be in, you better get on it… West/North/South Londoners may also apply. (Words: Laura Thornley) 

For more info visit: www.gingerline.co.uk

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While Photomonth rolls on in East, this inaugural event take place in South London  at The Crypt in Borough on October 28th and 29th and features an exhibition that promises to showcase hot talent and provide the opportunity to buy some prints in the process. Entry is recession friendly (that’s FREE to you) and supported by a host of industry pros including Frui, Zoom in Photography and Photofusion. Shirley Read will be putting her expert stamp on who really is the one to watch and offering out prizes to the top dogs. The public will also get a chance to vote for their favourite in the f/factor competition. It’s for one weekend only, so make it a date.  (Words: Laura Thornley) 

[stextbox id=”custom”]The London Photo Festival takes place October 28th and 29th. For more info visit www.londonphotofestival.org[/stextbox]

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