sketch says farewell to its iconic pink and welcomes new golden setting by india mahdavi

GOLD IS THE NEW PINK

london’s the gallery at sketch bids farewell to its iconic — and instagrammable — pink aesthetic (see more on designboom here), and welcomes a new sunshine-yellow setting. the new vision created by architect and designer india mahdavi continues with the established tradition of unifying artists’ imagination in a multifaceted space dedicated to art, design, food. the art component has been created by renowned british-nigerian artist yinka shonibare.

‘the gallery at sketch has been linked to the color pink for such a long time that it was very challenging for me to overcome this success,’ said india mahdavi. ‘yinka’s artwork was a real inspiration and enticed me to work differently in this new version of the gallery. now textures will transcend colors with metallic copper wallpaper, aissa dione’s textured fabric and inès bressand’s woven wall-lights. these are elements that have allowed me to extend yinka’s artistic exploration of culture and identity and bring a warm feel of africa to the space and furnishings.’

images by edmund dabney

SKETCH GALLERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH A NEW REDESIGN BY INDIA MAHDAVI AND ARTWORKS BY YINKA SHOBINARE

celebrating its 20th year, sketch gallery showcases shonibare’s artist-conceived vision for the restaurant, presented within a new golden setting by mahdavi. 14 new site-specific works in his signature aesthetic reimagine sketch into a celebration of african culture and its legacy. dubbed modern magic, the installation features four hand-painted masks carved from wood and 10 framed quilts that replicate african masks found in picasso’s collection.

‘after matisse showed picasso african art for the first time, it changed the history of modern art,’ said yinka shobinare. ‘picasso was interested in appropriating from another culture, and I also appropriate from european ethnic art. cultural appropriation can be a two-way street. this collaboration with sketch has given me an opportunity to expand my creative process – creating a different environment to encounter and experience my art in a fun and relaxing setting.’

india mahdavi has chosen a copper skin for the walls along with solar yellow fabrics to complement the art. it features new custom-made banquets with a pared-back design in copper tones. these stand alongside unique pieces designed by african craftspeople following mahdavi’s invitation, including senegalese fabrics produced by textile designer aissa dione. handmade wall lamps designed by inès bressan, who works with weavers in ghana are also present in the interior.

continuing the tradition of sketch’s artist-restaurant collaborations, a dish by pierre gagnaire, drink by luca fugazza, and new uniform by sonia taouhid have been created to homage the artist to be served in the gallery.