For London-based multidisciplinary artist Yinka Ilori, art is “an outlet to help bring together people and to spread feelings of love and joy.” His new collaboration with MoMA Design Store, launching today, does just that. For the capsule, which includes a vibrant tableware assortment and three pairs of SUBU Slippers, the British Nigerian artist drew inspiration from his heritage to create designs that incorporate his signature bold patterns and bright colors.
The five-piece tableware collection is named Oorun Didun, the Nigerian expression for “sweet sun,” and aims to spark happiness in the dining room. Since Yinka designed the items for both everyday meals and formal celebrations, he employed conventional materials that are suitable for regular use. He chose ceramic and glass specifically because they can also be infused with color.
One of our favorite pieces from the collection is a ceramic serving bowl that features a red-and-orange striped exterior and a bubblegum pink interior—though the ceramic platter that combines raspberry and lime hues and resembles a flower is also a standout. Both pieces boast a playful green scalloped edge. “The colors and designs were inspired by the sun’s warm and inviting presence and were intended to help enlighten [the] gatherings that they’re used at,” explains Yinka.
In addition to being colorful, the tiered, cotton-candy pink glass vase and the sculptural glass cups (which come in two colorways: green and lilac and blush and burnt orange) are fluted for textural delight. And the vase’s wavy silhouette “echoes the undulating form of a tree,” according to Chay Costello, associate director of merchandising for MoMA retail.
