Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, pop star Rita Ora and actress Eva Green are among the names inspiring Tate Modern’s latest exhibit.
Their names are among thousands of first and second generation immigrants printed on the spines of books arranged by Nigerian-born artist Yinka Shonibare.
The artist, who lives and working in London, said the work was “an exploration of the diversity of British identity”.
It is called The British Library and is made up of 6,328 specially bound books. Some 2,700 names are printed in gold leaf and mostly refer to first and second generation immigrants who have contributed to British culture and society.
Welbeck is the son of Ghanaian parents, Green is French, Ora’s family fled the war in Kosovo, while model Jourdan Dunn comes from a Jamaican family.
Other names include Dame Helen Mirren whose family escaped the Russian revolution, Australian singer Dannii Minogue and American-born poet TS Eliot.
Also included are the names of prominent figures who have opposed immigration including politicians Enoch Powell and Nigel Farage, as well as several far-Right activists.
Some of the books have been left unmarked to suggest the story of immigration in Britain is still being written.
Shonibare said Tate’s acquisition of his work, which was supported by the Art Fund, showed their backing for artists who “tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time”.
He said: “The British Library is an exploration of the diversity of British identity through a conceptually poetic lens. I look forward to the public engagement with the work.”
The installation also includes computers where visitors can learn more about the lives and times of the people named on the books, examine the arguments around immigration and submit their own stories.
Ann Gallagher, Tate’s director of collection in British art, said the work allowed audiences at the gallery on the Southbank to “engage with and reflect on the complexities of immigration and national identity”.
It is on show on Level two of the Natalie Bell Building, Tate Modern, and entrance is free.
