Àsìkò x Knightsbridge Estate: ‘Of Myth and Legend’
The Knightsbridge Estate has unveiled a large-scale photographic installation entitled ‘Of Myth and Legend’ at the top of Sloane Street, SW1. The Estate commissioned the series of portraits from British Nigerian photographic artist Àsìkò to mark the completion of seven magnificent brand-new flagship stores built behind restored façades. Framed by vast windows, the nine super-sized portraits inspired by multi-cultural fashion culture in London, sit at pavement level, with further images occupying the upper windows.
In a collaboration with MTArt to bring Àsìkò’s work to The Knightsbridge Estate, ‘Of Myth and Legend’ draws its inspiration from the stories of deities from the multicultural communities of London. Through the work, Àsìkò explores shared heritages of African and other cultures to create new narrative blends of mythological deities. The series is composed of fashion photographic imagery and collage symbolism as an interpretation of diasporic ideology using deity iconography. The work explores the connections or shared stories, highlighting we have more in common than we think, and our connections loom deeper through the ages.
“When I was young I was inspired by the stories of the heroes and mythology of my Yoruba culture.
These cultural icons form the inspiration for ‘Of Myth and Legend’, which explores the legends of the
Orisha through new interpretations of the diaspora narrative. From German to Indian, African and Asian,
the palette of London is wide and vast, a melting point of ethnicities and backgrounds. I am thrilled to
have been given the opportunity by The Knightsbridge Estate to show this new body of work in such a
prestigious and prominent address.”
Àsìkò
“The Knightsbridge Estate is excited to be exhibiting this brand-new body of art by Àsìkò. We hope that these works of art will bring pleasure to our thriving community, and attract interest from residents and visitors to The Estate.”
Sarah Waller, Chelsfield’s Senior Asset Manager, The Knightsbridge Estate