S
otheby’s is proud to unveil Yinka Ilori's stunning trophy, a work produced in collaboration with 1882 Ltd, a British ceramics factory in Stoke-on-Trent. Inspired by Ilori's upbringing in North London and drawing from his personal experiences as part of the immigrant community, Ilori's trophy explores themes of belonging, resilience, and cross-cultural dialogue. The trophy invokes the iconic blue-and-white Willow plates, which were often displayed in homes of Ilori's friends and family during his upbringing as prized symbols of the achievement of their personal ambitions. With this trophy, Ilori reimagines these fragile ceramic objects as a celebration of the contribution of immigrants to Britain, intricately wrapping images of his own childhood home around the vase. At its pinnacle, a dove symbolizes peace, while the blue-and-white palette nods to both the Willow plates and traditional Nigerian Adire fabric. In uniting these disparate influences, Ilori commemorates the everlasting ties between his British and Nigerian heritage, and pays homage to the generations of migrants who have harmoniously forged the connections between these communities.
Location:
The Story Café
1-2 St George Street, London W1S 2FE
Hours:
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Sotheby's Late: Curated by FKA TWIGS
Thursday 19 September 2024 | 6:30–9:30 PM
For sale enquiries, please contact Hannah O'Leary
Yinka Ilori, a British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer, is renowned for his vibrant, joyful creations that blend bold colour with allegorical narratives rooted in his west African heritage. His work transforms everyday spaces into immersive experiences, inspired by a panoply of visual traditions ranging from African textiles to London's urban landscape. With a commitment to storytelling through design, Ilori’s pieces transcend functionality, celebrating culture, community, and the power of colour to uplift and inspire.
