The Design Museum celebrates Yinka Ilori’s world
From community-focused commissions to design for play, 'Yinka Ilori: Parables of Happiness' (open until 25 June 2023) celebrates the British-Nigerian designer's creativity, his influences and his inspirations
‘A smiling face dispels unhappiness.’ This is but one of the many Nigerian sayings that can be found in the Design Museum’s new exhibition ‘Yinka Ilori: Parables of Happiness'. Open from until 25 June 2023, the free display charts the creative journey of British-Nigerian designer, Yinka Ilori. Skilfully weaving together furniture, graphic design, and architecture the show invites visitors to engage with West African culture.
Bursting with colour, the solo show follows Ilori's unconventional voyage into the world of design. Here visitors can view his community-focused commissions, murals, and installations. Projects such as the vibrant play area ‘The Flamboyance of Flamingos’ and early career furniture can be seen alongside more notable work such as a sample of the maze-like 2021 BRIT Awards stage. In the exhibition, visitors can watch a short film on the ‘Brick Laundrette of Dreams’ made from 200,000 LEGO pieces and find out about the now dismantled ‘Colour Palace’ Dulwich pavilion, while learning about Ilori’s humble upbringing in North London.
The exhibition showcases over 100 items which include a selection of artworks, fabrics and key reference material that help give context to Ilori’s work. As you meander around the Design Museum, a copy of the discontinued Black lifestyle magazine DRUM can be seen paired with British rapper Kano’s debut album Home Sweet Home. ‘I remember looking outside my window dreaming of design as a kid and playing ‘Sometimes,’ ‘P&Qs,’ ‘Reload it’,’ says Ilori.
In the display, a traditional talking drum named the Dùndún can be found on the same level as a striking maquette by Congolese artist Bodys Isek Kingelez. These objects provide an unprecedented glimpse into the mind of Ilori. The Design Museum worked with the designer to acquire pieces such as the elegant Washington Skeleton Side Chair designed by Sir David Adjaye for its permanent collection to showcase furniture that inspires the British-Nigerian designer in the exhibition. Adjaye has acted as a mentor to Ilori and encouraged him to tap into his West African heritage throughout his work.
One of the most powerful parts of the exhibition is Ilori’s gold name badge from when he worked at British retailer Marks & Spencer. It is a powerful reminder for designers to not give up or stop pursuing their dreams. ‘I grew up in a council estate in North London and I think sometimes people see what I am doing now but don’t quite know my story’ says Ilori.
At the heart of the exhibition is the belief that art and design should be accessible to all. For this reason, the display is in the atrium of the Design Museum, a democratic zone that is free for visitors. ‘If you are going to tell a story about inclusive design then there isn’t a better space to show it’ says Design Museum Head of Curatorial, Pryia Khanchandani. ‘I want museums to be accessible for people like me and I want to open doors for kids that have a passion for design,’ states Ilori.
‘Yinka Ilori: Parables of Happiness’ celebrates the designer’s rich portfolio of work while unpacking the key components of his iconic visual language. ‘The exhibition is a clever fusion of cultural references that demonstrate that Ilori’s work goes much deeper than simply injecting colour into spaces’ states Khanchandani. The display shows the world that Ilori’s projects aren't simply an exercise in colour but a powerful amalgamation of Black identity and West African culture. The carefully curated show illustrates how Ilori uses design to evoke feelings of empowerment, hope, and love and aims to put a smile on the face of its visitors.
INFORMATION
'Yinka Ilori: Parables of Happiness' is on view until 25 June 2023
designmuseum.org
yinkailori.com
ADDRESS
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
224-238 Kensington High St
London W8 6AG
Shawn Adams is an architect, writer, and lecturer who currently teaches at Central St Martins, UAL and the Architectural Association. Shawn trained as an architect at The Royal College of Art, Architectural Association and University of Portsmouth. He is also the co-founder of the socially-minded design practice Power Out of Restriction. In 2023, POoR won the London Design Festival’s Emerging Design Medal. Shawn writes for numerous international magazines about global architecture and design and aims to platform the voices of those living across the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.
-
Two new books examine the art of the logo, from corporate coherence to rock excess
Pentagram’s new book reveals 1,000 brand marks, while the art of the band logo is laid bare in Logo Rhythm
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Art, culture, watches & jewellery editor Hannah Silver’s gift guide
From a Beryl Cook cushion to an offbeat diamond ring, there's something for everyone on this Wallpaper* editor's gift guide, embracing art, culture and style
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Feldspar makes its mark on Mayfair with a festive pop-up at Corinthia Hotel
Devon-based bone china brand Feldspar makes its first foray into shopkeeping with a pop-up at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Ali Morris speaks with the founders and peeks inside
By Ali Morris Published
-
‘Architect of Joy’ Yinka Ilori's latest collection ‘breathes colour and optimism into every corner of any space’
Yinka Ilori debuts a collaboration with American brand Momentum, marking his first foray into commercial textile and wallcovering design
By Audrey Henderson Published
-
Colourful card game wins Design Museum’s Design Ventura competition
Annual design competition Design Ventura was won by students from The Piggott School, who created a fun I Spy-inspired card game
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
Attua Aparicio wins Ralph Saltzman Prize 2024
The Design Museum, London, announces Attua Aparicio as winner of The Ralph Saltzman Prize for emerging designers, and will showcase her work from 1 February until 15 April 2024
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Meet the Design Museum's new Design Researchers in Residence
The multidisciplinary cohort for this year's Design Researchers in Residence includes April Barrett, Eliza Collin, Jamie Irving and Freya Spencer-Wood, who will explore the theme of ‘Solar’
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
You can now skate at the Design Museum's newly-installed pop-up ramp by Jonathan Olivares
The Design Museum's 'Skateboard' exhibition (20 October 2023 - 2 June 2024) charts the history of board design and features a ramp by Jonathan Olivares
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Major Barbie exhibition announced at Design Museum, London
The Design Museum has announced a major Barbie exhibition (5 July 2024 – 23 February 2025) to coincide with the doll’s 65th anniversary
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
3D puzzle by students wins Design Museum’s Design Ventura 2023
Annual design competition Design Ventura 2023 was won by the Piggott School's students, who created the 'Stack It!' 3D architectural puzzle
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Marco Campardo wins Design Museum’s emerging designer prize
The Design Museum, London, announces Marco Campardo as winner of The Ralph Saltzman Prize, an annual accolade to celebrate and support emerging designers and an exhibition until 3 April 2023
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated