'Interwoven' realities: Christopher Kelly's sculptural narratives of neurodiversity
by Aarthi MohanAug 09, 2024
•make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend
by STIRworldPublished on : Jun 11, 2024
Pablo Picasso once remarked, "Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions." The dynamic relationship between changes in colours and shifts in emotions can mirror and influence the mood, energy and health of human beings. Working on a similar foundation, a California-based supplier of textiles and wallcoverings, Momentum, recently collaborated with London-based multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, marking his first foray into commercial textiles and wallcoverings. Featuring bold and vibrant patterns, the collection evokes the significance of hope and echoes of spring with the use of floral motifs and geometric compositions.
The British-Nigerian artist’s work, popularly referred to as the ‘architect of joy’, uses colour to inspire joy and a sense of community. Ilori drew inspiration from his dual heritage to craft Momentum’s collection comprising a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and stories to transform spaces into unique experiences for the users. “My collaboration with Momentum is a testament to the power of happiness created by strong community and storytelling,” Ilori mentions in an official statement. “Together, we aim to transform commercial spaces into playful, creative hubs that inspire, uplift and even heal.”
Blending cultural storytelling with imaginative design, the textiles from Yinka Ilori x Momentum collection includes five unique patterns—Shower Me With Flowers, where floral motifs are distilled into a modernist, geometric essence; Dream Catchers, which juxtaposes circular dreamlike shapes; Eyes in Reflection as a repetitive grid of rounded geometries; Blossoms Time, which presents a solid woven texture; and Rhythms Surround You that amalgamates arches, circles, chevrons and triangles.
The wallcoverings on the other hand include Moving Mountains as a geometric interplay between arches and circles; Shifting Motions, a multicoloured collage of shapes; and the dynamic pattern of Rhythms Surround You.
“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,” comments Jennifer Nye, Momentum’s Marketing Chief and Creative Officer. She further adds that “this collaboration is not only a fusion of artistic prowess but also a celebration of heritage and the transformative power of joy.”
Ilori believes that art and design should be accessible to all and it must bring communities together to have a positive impact on society. The designer will publicly unveil the Yinka Ilori x Momentum collection at the NeoCon trade show and deliver a keynote address in partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) on June 11. Additionally, Ilori will showcase his site-specific commission, Omi Okun—anticipated to be the largest and the most personal of his career to date—for Chicago’s ART on the MART platform.
Some of the previous works from Yinka Ilori’s portfolio, published on STIR, include the limited edition bags designed in partnership with Marks & Spencer, the Launderette of Dreams art installation developed with the LEGO Group, and the redesign of London’s pedestrian crossings under his 'Bring London Together' initiative at London Design Festival 2021.
(Text by Simran Gandhi, intern at STIR)
by Mrinmayee Bhoot Sep 03, 2025
Speaking with STIR, the event director of FIND Design Fair Asia discusses the exhibits for this year, design forecasts for Asia and the value of design in the global market.
by Jincy Iype Aug 29, 2025
Holding stories, holding people: The creative duo reflected on archives, imperfection and empathy to frame care as both practice and philosophy in this evocative ~log(ue).
by Mrinmayee Bhoot Aug 28, 2025
A compilation of writing systems and visual communication styles, edited by Oliver Häusle, explores the possibilities, resonances and unique qualities of the tools we use to write.
by Bansari Paghdar Aug 25, 2025
The upcoming edition looks forward to offering a layered, multidisciplinary series of presentations and dialogues examining Pan-Asian design within a transnational landscape.
make your fridays matter
SUBSCRIBEEnter your details to sign in
Don’t have an account?
Sign upOr you can sign in with
a single account for all
STIR platforms
All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices.
Stay STIRred
Already have an account?
Sign inOr you can sign up with
Tap on things that interests you.
Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch
Please enter your details and click submit.
Enter the 6-digit code sent at
Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process
by STIRworld | Published on : Jun 11, 2024
What do you think?