Yinka Ilori's 'Joy Through Resistance' Opens at Cristea Roberts Gallery

Yinka Ilori presents his most personal solo exhibition to date, 'Joy Through Resistance He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Best', at Cristea Roberts Gallery in London from 5 June to 11 July 2026. The show features over 20 works spanning painting, printmaking, sculpture, and an immersive sound installation. Rooted in Ilori's British Nigerian heritage, the exhibition explores resilience through collective experience, with recurring motifs of flowers, lace, and musical instruments. Central works include the screenprint series 'Paradise for All' (2024) and 'An Abundance of Flowers blessed by us, for us' (2026), which juxtapose Nigeria's national flower, the Costus spectabilis (yellow trumpet), with the daffodil, symbolizing the UK. Patterns derived from ornamental lace, particularly Swiss voile, weave references to diasporic identity. The exhibition also includes sculptural works enveloped in lace, such as handmade congas, a custom shekere, and a drum kit, highlighting the historical role of drums in communication and resistance. A sound installation features compositions by Peter Adjaye (horns and brass) and James William Blades (field recordings, Yoruba lullabies, church music, and archival linguistic material). Ilori states the exhibition reflects his own story and the resilience of the diaspora, exploring 'quiet resistance' found in traditions.