Known as the ‘Architect of Joy’, British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori will represent a triple threat at the 2024 NeoCon trade show. He is the first artist and designer in the history of NeoCon to deliver a keynote, present a commission for the popular ART on the MART series – and launch a major collection – Yinka Ilori x Momentum – all at once.
Drawing inspiration from Nigerian parables and verbal traditions, Ilori’s creations resonate with a global audience. Ilori is also renowned for his sustainability-driven work that uses colour to inspire joy and a sense of community. Ilori’s collaboration with Momentum marks his first foray into commercial textile and wallcovering design.
Yinka Ilori x Momentum
(Image credit: Courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Momentum)
His collection for Momentum is on point with this approach, and features five distinct patterns: ‘Shower Me With Flowers’ (a modernist, geometric floral take), ‘Dream Catchers’ (featuring a juxtaposition of shapes), ‘Eyes in Reflection’ (a versatile grid of rounded motifs), ‘Blossoms Time’ (solid colours with a woven texture), and ‘Rhythms Surround You’, an exuberant stacking of stripes with multiple arches, circles, chevrons and triangles.
The collection’s wallcoverings include ‘Rhythms Surround You’ (also a textile), ‘Moving Mountains’, a visual geometric feast, and the kaleidoscopic ‘Shifting Motions’.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Momentum)
‘My collaboration with Momentum is a testament to the power of happiness created by strong community and storytelling. Together, we aim to transform commercial spaces into playful, creative hubs that inspire, uplift, and even heal. Forged by my dual heritage and my belief in the positive impact of joy on our lives, we’re bringing a fresh take to commercial design with products that breathe colour and optimism into every corner of any space,’ Ilori explained.
As the industry’s largest commercial textiles and wallcoverings supplier, Momentum represents a natural partner to highlight Ilori’s work. This collaboration is the latest in a history of partnerships with artists like Sheila Hicks, Shantell Martin, and Aleksandra Gaca. This reveal blends Momentum’s industry expertise with the undeniable cool factor Ilori brings to the table.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Momentum)
‘We are delighted to embark on this exciting journey with Yinka. His ability to infuse spaces with culture and storytelling aligns perfectly with Momentum’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering creativity in commercial environments. This collaboration is not only a fusion of artistic prowess but also a celebration of heritage and the transformative power of joy. We couldn’t be prouder to be the ones to bring this collection to the world,’ said Momentum Chief Marketing & Creative Officer, Jennifer Nye.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Momentum)
Ilori will publicly unveil Yinka Ilori x Momentum in Momentum’s showroom at NeoCon 2024. He will also deliver a (sold-out) keynote address on Tuesday, 11 June. A new immersive commission by Ilori exploring memories and mindfulness will premiere on 6 June for Chicago’s ART on THE MART, with projections scheduled nightly at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
NeoCon 2024 is scheduled from 10 June to 12 June at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, neocon.com
momentumtextilesandwalls.com
yinkailori.com
(Image credit: Courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Momentum)
(Image credit: Courtesy of Yinka Ilori and Momentum)
