A brighter London: Artist Yinka Ilori takes over Piccadilli Circus

The new temporary artwork is situated on the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and features plinths emblazoned with positive affirmations.

How do you turn a space without walls into an open-air gallery?
How does one make one of central London’s busiest spots more vibrant and positive?
Ask British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, that’s how.
Ilori is making London more colourful by reimagining the West End and transforming London’s Piccadilly Circus with a vibrant, 23ft-tall installation that draws upon Greek mythology.
The new temporary artwork is situated on the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and features winged sculptures inspired by Anteros, the Greek god of requited love (and also the punisher of those who scorn love), and Pegasus figures perched on bright yellow and orange plinths, which wrap around the fountain.
The fountain was erected in the late 19th century in memory of Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, a politician and philanthropist.
The new plinths are emblazoned with positive affirmations, as the installation called “Good Things Come To Those Who Wait” is intended to symbolise the power of imagination and “encourages West End visitors to believe in their ability to make the impossible possible.”
This is the first time in 132 years that the iconic meeting spot will feature new sculptures, and the installation is on view for just five days – until 25 August. So get thee to Piccadilly! And while you’re there, you can pick up free colouring sheets and meet Young Ambassadors from the Greater London Authority’s youth program, who are there to share local history and hidden gems.
Yinka Ilori is a graduate of London Metropolitan University and his work has been showcased globally through solo and group exhibitions. He also co-designed the 2021 Brit Awards trophies.
“Good Things Come To Those Who Wait”, unveiled by Art of London, is located in Piccadilly Circus from 20 – 25 August.
Additional sources • Art of London