Shonibare grew up in Nigeria before returning to England to study Fine Art in London at Byam Shaw School of Art and Goldsmiths College. Poised between Nigerian and British culture, Shonibare produced a playful, witty and inquisitive art from the collision between the two. His Guest Projects space beneath his studio has provided an important and vital platform for emerging artists while also giving them invaluable experience in the practical side of being a working artist.

Shonibare was a Turner prize nominee in 2004 and was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005. He was elected Royal Academician by the Royal Academy of Arts in 2013. His work has been presented at the international exhibition series Documenta11 and at the Venice Art Biennale, as well as in numerous leading art museums around the globe.