As part of our “Five minutes with…” series we took time out with the artists behind Dancing Ribbons – Yinka ilori and Peter Asdjaye.
This brand-new conception from London-based Yinka Ilori, a multi-disciplinary artist and designer whose bold visual language draws on his British-Nigerian heritage to convey new narratives through contemporary design.
For our River of Light event, Yinka Ilori presents ‘Dancing Ribbons’, his first installation using light as a medium which in turn responds to the theme Unexpected Twist by drawing inspiration from rhythmic gymnastics. This installation aims to capture the energy and poetic relationship between the gymnast and the prop ribbons. LED ribbons within a large-scale mesh box suspended from the ceiling mimic the movement of the gymnasts and recreate the organic forms, colour transitions and joy of a performance. It also aims to capture the energy of Liverpool and the audience through this emotive and expressive artwork.
While working with light presents unique challenges, Ilori exploits the potential of this medium by experimenting with the way in which light enters into and changes within the installation. It also presents new and exciting opportunities for the artist as it enables him to showcase and have his work experienced at night.
This artwork features a soundscape by Peter Adjaye inspired by the flow of the Dancing Ribbons and the sounds of Liverpool in a unique collaborative approach showcasing the talents of the two artists.
Hi Peter, we’ll chat with you first as a musician, welcome to the UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool! We understand Liverpool’s energy and sounds feature heavily in your influences for the soundscape on the artwork. We have a unique energy in Liverpool, in your time here do you have any favourite moments?
“I love the energy of the city and the formidable history sometimes hidden, about the historic trade that made the city such a powerhouse of engineering and urbanism years ago.”
We couldn’t agree more! Is there anything in particular you like about Liverpool’s energy?
“The friendly people who are open to re-examining their previous beleifs about the history of the city.”
If you had to sum up that famous “Liverpool energy and sound” in three words – what would you say?
“Celebration, sea and birds”
Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music – we’re famous for our creative music scene – do you have any advice Peter for anyone wanting to get into the combined music and arts scene in particular?
“Make sure it’s natural and that you have an affinity for both and are passionate about both.”
If anyone is thinking about coming down to River of Light but is unsure, what would you say to them to explain why they should come and see your artwork and listen to the soundscape?
“It’s life affirming and moving and powerful and you will feel transformed.”
Aside from your own creative works, is there any other artwork that you’re particularly keen on seeing?
“All of the River of Light, the Turner Prize at Tate Liverpool as well as the Slavery Museum.”
Your work is inspirational, and you clearly have a keen interest in supporting the next generation of artists, do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the creative sector?
“Do what you love and don’t let anyone stop you!”
Where can people go to find out more about your work and where you will be next?
PETERADJAYE.COM
Thank you for your time Peter. Yinka, it’s lovely to meet you! Welcome to our River of Light event. Could you tell us a bit about your inspiration behind Dancing Ribbons? This is your first piece working in light, how do you feel about this work?
Dancing Ribbons responds to this year’s theme ‘Unexpected Twists’ by drawing inspiration from rhythmic gymnastics. Through my artwork, I wanted to capture the energy and the poetry of a performance as well as reflect on the relationship between the gymnast’s body and the ribbons they use during a routine.
Using light, I have been able capture the energy and theatricality of a rhythmic gymnastics performance and the joy the performer feels by bringing movement to the piece. Collaborating with technicians and engineers on saturation and how to manipulate the medium, I’ve been able to control the way the light filters through the piece so that we could recreate the gymnast’s fluid motions and the organic shapes of the ribbons.
As this is my first artwork made using light as a medium and is also the first installation of mine which incorporates a soundscape it’s hugely significant. This project has allowed me to experiment with ideas and create something that’s pushing my practice further.
We understand Liverpool’s energy and sounds feature heavily in the artwork’s influences and features and we certainly have a unique energy in the city – in your time here, do you have any favourite moments?
My favourite moments are the sounds of the river and the peace it brings.
Is there anything in particular you like about Liverpool’s energy Yinka?
I love the energy of the people!
We couldn’t agree more! If you had to sum up that famous “Liverpool energy and sound” in three words – what would you say?
Energetic, unapologetic and warm.
If anyone is thinking about coming down to River of Light but is unsure, what would you say to them to explain why they should come and see your artwork and listen to the soundscape?
Art is incredibly powerful and when it moves outside the gallery or museum and is brought into communities for everyone to enjoy it can help stimulate new ideas and imagination. For anyone unsure of visiting, I would say that River of Light is going to be an incredibly moving experience which will allow audiences to see their city in a whole new way, discover something new and feel inspired.
Aside from your own creative works, is there any other artwork that you’re particularly keen on seeing?
I’m really excited to see what all the other artists have created for the programme. Working with light for the first time has been an incredible experience and I’m looking forward to seeing how others have worked with the medium.
Your work is inspirational, and you clearly have a keen interest in supporting the next generation of artists, do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the creative sector?
My advice to the next generation is that they shouldn’t be afraid to question the status quo, to be different and to have faith in their artistic voice. They will make mistakes and that’s part of the journey but It’s important to enjoy making mistakes, learn from it and evolve their work.
Where can people go to find out more about your work and where you will be next?
You can find out more about my work and upcoming projects on instagram @yinka_ilori or can also visit my website www.yinkailori.com
