The Weekend With Yinka Ilori

“It would have to be my latest gallery show. I’m so thrilled to be presenting a new body of work in my first solo exhibition with Cristea Roberts Gallery in London. This collection is my most personal to date. A colourful reflection on the stories, memories and emotions that shape us. It looks at loss, community and joy, and for me, the works explore how we find light in difficult moments along with connection through shared experiences. It’s a celebration of resilience, togetherness and the beauty that can emerge from everyday life. It’s been a year in the making, and I’m really excited for people to see it.”

“One book I come back to time and time again is How to be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci. It was gifted to me by a friend at a time when I was dealing with personal loss, and it arrived exactly when I needed it. The book helped me put a lot of things into perspective.”

“Strakers in Notting Hill! Whenever I go with the fam, it never disappoints. The steak is incredible and they serve the best cocktails. I usually try to go during the week when it’s nice and chilled, but the vibe in there is great and the food is exceptional. Nothing can beat some diced steak and fries – an unreal combo.”

“There’s a film by Spike Lee called Do the Right Thing that has stayed with me for years. Although it was released in 1989, it still feels incredibly relevant today. What I love most about it is the way it explores community, identity and human connection. It’s a powerful reminder of how people from different backgrounds can share the same spaces, experiences and challenges, and why understanding one another matters.”