Yinka Ilori's Most Personal Exhibition Yet Opens in London

London audiences have the chance to experience a major new exhibition by British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE this summer, as Joy Through Resistance opens at Cristea Roberts Gallery in Pall Mall.

Running until 11 July 2026, the exhibition marks Ilori's first solo gallery show in his home city and brings together more than 20 new and recent works spanning painting, printmaking, sculpture and sound.

Known for his vibrant public artworks and colourful installations, Ilori explores themes of joy, resilience and community through a deeply personal lens. Inspired by his British-Nigerian heritage, Joy Through Resistance examines how people transform hardship into strength, drawing on symbols including flowers, lace and musical instruments.

Highlights include a series of striking floral works featuring Nigeria's national flower, the yellow trumpet, alongside the daffodil, one of Britain's most recognisable blooms. Through these recurring motifs, Ilori reflects on shared histories, cultural identity and the enduring power of community.

Visitors can also step into an immersive sound installation featuring specially commissioned music by composers Peter Adjaye and James William Blades. Traditional instruments, including congas and shekeres wrapped in lace, create a space that celebrates both joy and resistance.

"This exhibition is my most personal to date," says Ilori. "It's a reflection of my own story and the resilience of the diaspora."

Yinka Ilori: Joy Through Resistance is on view at Cristea Roberts Gallery, 43 Pall Mall, London SW1, until 11 July 2026. Admission is free.