Yinka Ilori Launches London’s Fulham Pier with ‘100 Found Objects’ Installation

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Summary

  • Artist Yinki Ilori has unveiled 100 Found Objects, a new major public installation, at London’s freshly launched Fulham Pier.
  • Enveloping the length of the pier with a constellation of flora, fauna and “found objects,” the piece pays homage to the area’s storied history and culture.

British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori is adorning Fulham Pier with a vibrant display titled “100 Found Objects“, a significant public installation that finds its home in a secluded corner of southwest London. Often referred to as the “Architect of Joy”, Ilori transforms this fresh location into a lively repository, celebrating the local plant life and wildlife while highlighting the area’s storied past of craftsmanship and cultivation.

In the stunning setting of the renowned River Thames, the artwork reinterprets discarded items discovered there as emblems of cultural reminiscence. The artist adopted a novel perspective, drawing inspiration from the practices of mudlarking and scavenging, arranging shattered jugs and rough pipes into a powerful and vibrant palette.

Lenticular panels adjust as you look, showcasing floral vistas in an innovative manner, while items such as okra, grains of paradise, and cotton in the main exhibit pay homage to Fulham’s African roots and the worldwide commerce connections of the colonial period. To expand the cultural relevance, Ilori additionally drew inspiration from Akosua Pareis-Osei and her research on reproductive freedom and medicinal wisdom.

The artist’s choice to incorporate a dove symbolizes deeply emotional and caring public areas, mirroring the philosophy of an empathetic and compassionate community. As Ilori put it, “This project is about acknowledging narratives – ones we receive, ones we construct, and ones we decide to disclose. Fulham is rich with hidden gems, and it’s been delightful to explore them with the community, breathing life into them in a shared space.

100 Found Objects is now on view at Fulham Pier.

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2025-06-05 22:25