Yinka Ilori

Yinka Ilori MBE RDI is a British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer whose unmistakable visual language brings together colour, storytelling, community and optimism.

Drawing inspiration from his British-Nigerian heritage, Nigerian parables and the verbal traditions he grew up with, Yinka creates work that crosses art, architecture, furniture, interiors and public space. His projects are playful and exuberant, but beneath the colour lies a strong belief that art and design should be accessible to everyone and can bring people and communities together.

Yinka began his practice by transforming and upcycling furniture, before expanding into large-scale installations, architecture and public art. His work has since appeared internationally, and his studio has collaborated with organisations including Somerset House, LEGO, Dulwich Picture Gallery and adidas. In 2020 he received the London Design Festival’s Emerging Design Medal, and he was appointed MBE for services to design.