By Japhet Alakam

Lovers of art, art collectors, promoters were treated to a special form of art as Omenka Gallery opened its last exhibition for the year tagged Status and Time, a joint exhibition of recent works by leading London-based designers Yinka Ilori and Jade Folawiyo. The ongoing exhibition which is supported by the British Council,  featured an installation of palm oil kegs, as well as a collection of intricate wall clocks referencing thought-provoking quotes on the theme of time and change. The exhibition which opened on December 19, 2015 will run till January 9, 2016.

• One of the works on display at the ongoing exhibition

Inspired by Nigerians reaction to the reduction in oil price by President Buhari, Ilori’s clustered palm oil kegs represent the voice of the nation and emphasize the need for the Nigerian community to set aside cultural differences and work together to encourage socio-economic development. The flowers are a metaphor for the beauty that eventually blossoms from the efforts of Nigerians working together as a country rather than individuals.

Yinka Ilori, whose work touches on themes as various as hope, sexuality and social class said, “My installation is about understanding that we have to work together as a country to move forward… the palm oil bottles represent individuals and their struggles.

The table is supported by the palm oil bottles and that’s we need to understand that Nigeria needs the support of the people in order for us to all shape and move Nigeria forward.”

Each of Jade Folawiyo’s clocks is individually designed with its own unique name and quote. These design references are taken from Folawiyo’s Nigerian influences and her minimal design style, with a number of the clocks reflecting her ongoing interest in the beading work found on the musical instrument shekere.

“As we have welcomed the arrival of a new government, there is a great expectation for there to be visible change as time progresses. Clocks are used as an object to measure the passing of time; in this instance these designed clocks are engraved with thought provoking quotes that make a commentary on this time for change,” Folawiyo added.

Both artists negotiate their cultural identities, becoming part of an intimate conversation between Africa and the West, their work forming an important trajectory in the discourse of contemporary design from Nigeria.

Yinka Ilori specializes in up-cycling vintage furniture, inspired by the traditional Nigerian parables and African fabrics that surrounded him as child. He is interested in exploring the relationship between function and form and his work sits between traditional divisions of art and design. Bringing Nigerian verbal traditions into playful conversation with contemporary design.

Jade Folawiyo, a product designer  also draws inspiration from her Nigerian heritage. She focuses on accessories for the home produced in ceramic, glass or metal, and has a key interest in working with local artisans and reinterpreting  traditional  techniques.