Yinka Ilori's debut book 'Chairman' chronicles his celebrated chair works

Yinka Ilori's forthcoming book 'Chairman', published by ORO Editions, is the first comprehensive monograph of his chair practice. The 120-page volume covers over a decade of work, tracing chairs from discarded furniture through restoration to final surfaces. It includes contributions from poet Julianknxx, curator Jareh Das, designer Martino Gamper, and furniture designer Jane Atfield, exploring material culture, sustainability, authorship, and diasporic identity. The title references the Nigerian concept of the chairman as a respected authority figure, exemplified in the work 'Ijoko Agba' (2013). Ilori's chairs often begin with childhood parables, using color and form to translate stories. Notable works include 'Oba Kekere' (2013), upholstered in Aso Oke fabric from Ondo State, and 'Osumare' (2014), addressing sexuality and faith. 'Transparency Akoyawo I' (2023) incorporates resin-cut openings referencing his parents' migration experiences. The book arrives after Ilori's first furniture collection with Dunelm and his solo exhibition 'Joy Through Resistance' at Cristea Roberts Gallery. Pre-orders are available now for $40.