SKETCH'S NEW GALLERY BY YINKA SHONIBARE CBE RA & INDIA MAHDAVI
British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and project architect India Mahdavi have transformed the iconic London venue sketch with a new installation of artworks and interiors. Shonibare’s artist-conceived vision for the Gallery restaurant is presented within a new sunshine-yellow setting designed by Mahdavi, marking a new culture-defining chapter for sketch in its 20th year.
Shonibare has created 13 new site-specific works in his signature aesthetic that have reimagined sketch into a powerful celebration of African culture and its legacy. Titled ‘Modern Magic’, the installation features four hand-painted masks carved from wood and 9 framed quilts that replicate African masks found in Pablo Picasso’s collection. Renowned for her expert use of colour, Mahdavi has chosen a copper skin for the walls along with solar yellow fabrics to complement sketch’s latest commission.
Yinka Shonibare, CBE RA commented: “After Matisse showed Picasso African art for the first time, it changed the history of modern art. Picasso was interested in appropriating from another culture, and I also appropriate from European ethnic art. Cultural appropriation can be a two-way street. This collaboration with sketch has given me an opportunity to expand my creative process - creating a different environment to encounter and experience my art in a fun and relaxing setting.”
India Mahdavi, Project Architect commented: “The Gallery at sketch has been linked to the colour pink for such a long time that it was very challenging for me to overcome this success. Yinka’s artwork was a real inspiration and enticed me to work differently in this new version of the Gallery. Now textures will transcend colours with metallic copper wallpaper, Aissa Dione’s textured fabric and Inès Bressand’s woven wall-lights. These are elements that have allowed me to extend Yinka’s artistic exploration ofculture and identity and bring a warm feel of Africa to the space and furnishings”
MasterChef Pierre Gagnaire has created a dish in homage to the artist to be served in the Gallery. Bespoke uniforms for the Gallery’s staff by French designer Sonia Taouhid also respond to the sunny redesign. Sketch are also debuting new ceramic tableware designed by Shonibare and manufactured by British heritage brand Caverswall.
Mourad Mazouz, Proprietor of sketch commented: “I was very afraid to change the pink room as David Shrigley is a part of sketch. Then I was introduced to Yinka Shonibare, and I thought, my God, the master himself wants to work with sketch. It was like I was dreaming. Yinka’s work is so powerful, intelligent, and mythical, and I am so pleased to share it with sketch's visitors from all over the world.”
