A Manifesto in Colour and Form: Yinka Ilori’s Latest Book Offers Solace and Spark for the Creative Soul
In a moment when creative expression often collides with uncertainty, British-Nigerian designer and artist Yinka Ilori offers a vivid, uplifting intervention. You Are an Artist: Words of Affirmation is a compact volume filled with colour, conviction and clarity—an ode to perseverance and joy in the artistic life.
Image courtesy of the Tate
Ilori, whose dynamic aesthetic fuses a distinctly modern sensibility with the rich textures of his Nigerian heritage, has long been celebrated for his ability to transform everyday spaces into experiences of optimism. Dubbed the “architect of joy”, his latest endeavour distils that ethos into a series of affirmations designed to embolden and reassure. With eleven original reflections and a visual language as bold as his installations, the book offers a moment of stillness—and inspiration—for creatives at any stage of their journey.
Beautifully produced by Tate Publishing, the book exemplifies the institution’s commitment to thoughtful and inclusive approaches to art publishing. Suitable for all ages, it bridges personal reflection and visual pleasure, inviting readers into a world where encouragement and aesthetics go hand in hand.
Ilori’s past collaborations—ranging from The North Face to Somerset House—underscore the wide-reaching impact of his joyful design philosophy. Yet this small book, intimate in scale and generous in spirit, may be among his most personal contributions yet: a quiet, colourful reminder that the creative impulse is not only to be protected, but celebrated.
Image courtesy of the Tate
You Are an Artist: Words of Affirmation
Author: Yinka Ilori
Publishing Information
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Publication Date: May 2025
Format: Hardback
Dimensions: 200 × 200 mm
Extent: 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-84976-912-9
Price: £12.99
Available to buy in-store and online at shop.tate.org.uk
©2025 Yinka Ilori
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