British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, known for his playful designs, has joined MCM’s Upcycle Project for a 20-piece exhibit at the brand’s flagship store in Seoul.
The exhibit was unveiled during Frieze Seoul art fair 2023, which took place between 6 and 9 September.
“Through emotion and perspective, the pieces in this collection converge at the junction of fashion and contemporary art,” MCM said.
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| MCM x Yinka Ilori's exhibit at MCM HAUS in Seoul |
The exhibit is in two parts. Part 1, dubbed 'There is Good in All of Us', features an assortment of 10 renewed chairs that incorporate the brand’s unused signature Visetos materials. By repurposing and revitalising materials, the collaboration aims to highlight the importance of environmental consciousness and responsible consumption.
“Complementing each artwork is a kaleidoscope, enticing visitors into a dance of colours and patterns,” enthused Ilori.
Reflecting Ilori's signature approach, the collaboration thrives on diverse colour motifs, architecture and spaces to encourage visitors to see new perspectives.
“It's an invitation to delve deeper, to discover the beauty beneath the overt, signifying an unending cycle of growth, balance and rejuvenation,” the artist added.
The latter half of the exhibit, 'Looking at Me', features a mix of Ilori's older works alongside new ones from his most recent collection.
The first six chairs reflect Ilori’s memories of growing up in London as a British Nigerian and explores heritage, culture and family. The next four, from a new collection titled ‘All of Us’, are described as bolder, more unapologetic and expressive to capture Ilori’s coming of age as an artist and designer.
The pieces are on display at the MCM HAUS flagship store in Seoul from 4 September until 22 October.
