Yinka Ilori x Momentum's textiles collection is a 'testament to the power of happiness'

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)