Exploring Fulham's Rich History Through Floral Art Installation

A new major public installation titled 100 Found Objects is currently on display at Fulham Pier in southwest London. The installation was created by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who is known as the “Architect of Joy.”

Set against the backdrop of the Thames, the installation transforms fragments found along the river into symbols of cultural craftsmanship through a revisionist artistic approach. In the creative process, the artist drew inspiration from the traditions of mudlarking and scavenging, reassembling broken jugs and jagged pipes into a vibrant and visually striking work of art.

100 Found Objects brings a floral feast to Fulham Pier, illuminating the area’s rich history of craftsmanship and cultivation. Notably, plants such as okra, grains of paradise, and cotton in the central display reflect Fulham’s historical connections to Africa and the global trade networks of the colonial era. To broaden the project’s cultural scope, Ilori also looked to Akosua Pareis-Osei and her work surrounding reproductive autonomy and medicinal knowledge.

Lenticular panels are skillfully incorporated into the installation, allowing floral scenes to reveal a new dimension as viewers shift their gaze, much like a living archive of plants and animals. Notably, the artist has included the element of a dove in the work, reflecting an ethos of empathetic and compassionate community spaces.

Ilori stated that this project tells a story about honor, emphasizing that Fulham is filled with quiet treasures. It has been both joyful and meaningful to uncover these precious gems alongside the community. By inheriting, creating, and sharing these stories, we bring them to life in a space that belongs to everyone.