DOMAIN EXPANSION: A YUSUFF AINA X TOKYO JAMES COLLABORATION

Retro Africa gallery is pleased to announce an upcoming collaboration between emerging Nigerian artist Yusuff Aina (b. 1997) and Nigerian-British fashion designer Tokyo James, which will see the unveiling of a runway design and bespoke art installation by Aina for Tokyo James’ Fall menswear 2024 ready-to-wear collection at Milan Fashion Week on the 24th of February 2024. Taking place at the Palazzo Reale Sala Cariatidi, the artistic partnership between an African artist and designer promises to be a must-see for attendees during Milan Fashion Week.

Tokyo James and Yusuff Aina's artistic collaboration blossomed from mutual admiration, rooted in shared experiences. In this endeavour, James delves into the constraints and stereotypes faced by African artists, prompting viewers to broaden their understanding of designers and creatives from the continent, and challenging any preconceived notions.

For his inaugural project with a fashion house, Yusuff Aina will unveil a large-scale site-specific installation titled Domain Expansion curated by Dolly Kola-Balogun, Founder of Retro Africa. Drawing inspiration from the theme of ‘expansion’ present throughout the latest Tokyo James collection, the work will reflect the evolving phases of life, capabilities, and states of mind. Centered in the middle of the runway, Domain Expansion’s focal point, is a life-size sculptural figure from Aina’s ‘Eniyan’ series. ‘Eniyan’ is a recurring fictional character symbolising the oneness of humanity and embodying the mantra of resilience. Made of fibreglass, standing at over 8ft tall and rendered in white, ‘Eniyan’ is captured at a pivotal moment moving from the familiar to the unknown represented by the characters perceived journey through a surrounding doorway structure.

"Domain Expansion" is more than a physical movement; it's a mental, social, and spiritual journey. It challenges us to evolve beyond our known spaces, our ingrained ways of life, and our constrained beliefs. This installation invites viewers to contemplate their states of mind, whether they are bound by societal norms, political ideologies, or racial divisions.” Yusuff Aina

Elsewhere, Aina has had creative license to design the look and feel of the space, choosing imposing mustard yellow curtains to frame the Palazzo, and a granite floor. The intentional use of white and yellow and grey showcases our aspirations to go beyond our perceived limits. The ‘Eniyan’ figure stands on a bed of stone.

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