Dressed in an elaborate spacesuit, the monumental figure of Yinka Shonibare’s Refugee Astronaut contrasts with their hastily-gathered net of possessions. Who are they? What has caused their hurried flight? The title suggests that this is a forced exile, an act of desperation rather than confident galactic exploration. As environmental breakdown displaces populations, how many of us will become refugees?

Visitor Experience Assistant Drea Asibey explain what it means to her.

Part of a short series filmed on 16 March 2020 – the day we closed our doors, temporarily, because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
#MuseumFromHome

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