British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer, Yinka Ilori, made his official US-debut this week by taking over Chicago’s iconic THE MART for the premiere of his ART on THE MART summer headline commision, followed by the launch of his first-ever textiles and wallcovering collaboration, Yinka Ilori x Momentum, at NeoCon where the team swept numerous awards. Ilori spread his signature themes of color and joy across the city through both projects, transforming both the outside and inside of the two city block, 2.5 acre architectural landmark, THE MART.
Image courtesy of Yinka Ilori
On view nightly at 9pm and 9:30pm CT through September 11th, Yinka’s commission for ART on THE MART, titled ‘Omi Okun’ (Yoruban for ‘Sea Water’), mirrors his personal memories with the Pentecostal Aladura church in Nigeria and the revelations that arise beyond. The 15-minute immersive film follows the journey of a church member through various rituals and pilgrimage to the seaside, and depicts the transformative act of belief, seeking healing and strength in the community.
Mixing moving artwork with sound, central to the narrative is Psalm 24 of David, which is read aloud by Ilori as he reflects on the sovereignty of higher powers.The intent of the animation transcends religious boundaries, focusing on universal values instead. By practicing intimate rituals, the film invites viewers to explore the depths of their own beliefs, and to find solace, inspiration and confidence. Watch ‘Omi Okun’ for ART on THE MART.
Following the premiere, Yinka migrated inside THE MART to launch Yinka Ilori x Momentum at NeoCon, the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry. As an exciting kickoff to the trade show, the collection won in two categories – Hospitality: Fabrics & Textiles and Hospitality: Wall Covering – at the 2024 HiP Awards, an annual awards that celebrate the products and people pushing boundaries and defining the future of design.
Image courtesy of Yinka Ilori
The collection then proceeded to sweep the Best of NeoCon Awards, winning Gold for Interior Products and Solutions for Wall Treatments, Gold for Textiles: Upholstery, as well as the coveted Best of Competition, taking the lead out of nearly 300 submissions from over 110 companies from around the world. Ilori closed out his stay at NeoCon by delivering a Keynote Presentation alongside Khoi Vo, CEO of ASID, and Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, EVP and CEO of IIDA.
Marking his first foray into commercial textile and wallcovering design, Yinka Ilori x Momentum draws not only on Ilori’s British-Nigerian heritage, but also on themes of community and the power of affirmation – key tenets in all of his work. Captured in aptly named patterns like Moving Mountains, Ilori uses his work as a means to self-empowerment and positivity. The collection’s playful, uplifting patterns appear simple at first but become mesmerizing upon a deeper look.
Image courtesy of Yinka Ilori
From Shower Me With Flowers, whose floral motifs are pared down to their most minimal elements, to the repetitive geometrics of Eyes in Reflection, each pattern tells a story wholly unique to Ilori that makes an impact wherever it’s installed. As the industry’s largest commercial textiles and wallcoverings supplier, Momentum was the natural choice to bring Ilori’s forward-thinking vision to life.
Ilori’s US-debut marks an exciting time in his career, as he was recently named one of Architectural Digest’s AD100 Honorees and was awarded the World Architecture London Design Medal for Emerging Designers, in addition to collaborations with powerhouse brands like Adidas, Lego, Universal Music, the Design Museum, and many more. To find out more on Yinka Ilori.
©2024 Yinka Ilori
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