18–27 September 2024 • London

In a natural evolution from Sotheby’s Summer Season, where Sotheby’s celebrated London as an artistic crossroads, Sotheby’s inaugural sale series, ‘Currents’ brings together a diverse array of sales from Contemporary African to South Asian Art. The series is amplified through a collaboration with Yinka Ilori MBE, a British artist and designer known for his bold use of bright colours and playful designs for furniture and public spaces. This partnership highlights the significant contributions of immigrants who have enriched the city’s cultural landscape. Ilori, renowned for his bold use of color and playful designs, will transform Sotheby’s Café with his unique aesthetic and create a limited edition ceramic piece. This initiative pays tribute to the diverse creative talents that have made London their home, celebrating the city's dynamic and inclusive artistic community.

Auctions & Exhibitions

On View

  • Sep19 Sep27

    On View in London

  • Hours

    Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–4:30 PMSaturday–Sunday | 12:00–5:00 PM

    Location

    34–35 New Bond Street, London, W1A 2AA

Sotheby’s Magazine
The House of Twigs

Yinka Ilori, a British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer, is renowned for his vibrant, joyful creations that blend bold colour with allegorical narratives rooted in his west African heritage. His work transforms everyday spaces into immersive experiences, inspired by a panoply of visual traditions ranging from African textiles to London's urban landscape. With a commitment to storytelling through design, Ilori’s pieces transcend functionality, celebrating culture, community, and the power of colour to uplift and inspire.

My work is joyful and unapologetic. It’s also very much about storytelling – I want to encourage dialogues between all those who experience my work. I’ve learned many things from being British and being Nigerian. We are all products of different and personal experiences, but at the core of it all, we share a resilience, a hardship, and emotion. For me, design can bring together communities and have a positive impact on society. And, my work, is all about collaboration, not just with practices but other communities too, and I hope people find optimism in Sotheby’s newly-designed space and share that feeling with others.
YINKA ILORI

Yinka Ilori at Sotheby’s. Credit: Chris McAndrew.

Yinka Ilori Tote Bag

Yinka Ilori Tote Bag

Purchase a limited-edition canvas tote bag designed by Yinka Ilori in celebration of the collaboration, available in Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries and on  yinkailori.com  until 31 October. £15.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Services
Yinka Ilori at Sotheby’s Story Café

Kanika Kapoor’s Selection

Celebrated Indian singer Kanika Kapoor has long been captivating audiences with her melodious voice and chart-topping hits. Recently, Kapoor's life took an exciting turn when she married Nigerian art collector Gautam Hathiramani in May 2022. The couple's union has created a fascinating blend of cultures, reflected in their shared passion for art and music. Splitting her time between homes in India, Nigeria, and the UK, Kapoor has embraced the rich diversity of her new lifestyle. "I've always been drawn to the vibrancy and energy of Contemporary African Art," Kapoor enthuses. "Weekends in Nigeria are a treasure trove of inspiration, as we explore local galleries and discover emerging talents."

This week, Kapoor has been particularly enthralled by Sotheby's auctions of South Asian Art and Contemporary African Art. Her discerning eye has been drawn to pieces that seamlessly blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, mirroring her own artistic journey. The singer's love for African art has also influenced her upcoming album, recorded in her newly established studio in Nigeria. The project promises to be a groundbreaking fusion of Bollywood melodies and African rhythms, showcasing Kapoor's evolving artistry. "My new album is a celebration of cultural harmony," Kapoor shares. "It's been incredible to infuse the energy of Nigerian music into my Indian roots. The artwork we've chosen for our homes reflects this same spirit of unity and creativity."

Stories & Videos

Type: video
Category: Currents
How Yinka Ilori Transformed the Sotheby's Café with in Collaboration with 1882 Ltd. Ceramics
Type: featured
Category: Sotheby’s Magazine
Sotheby’s Magazine – The Opening Bid
Type: video
Category: Prints
How Marcel Duchamp Used the Iconic Mona Lisa to Challenge Artistic Tradition | Sotheby's

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