Lladró presents its newest collection, The Dreamer by Láolú, which marks the brand’s first collaboration with an African artist, Láolú Senbanjo. The prominent New York-based Nigerian artist joins Lladró to express the spirituality of the Yoruba heritage through porcelain art. Two limited edition sculptures blend influences from Yoruba culture, known for its deep religious beliefs, and other Nigerian traditions, with a contemporary twist. The Lladró porcelain is treated as a blank canvas that brings to life Senbajo’s creative vision.
The Dreamer by Láolú plays with the artist’s signature geometric patterns in black and gold on white porcelain. The translation of Senbanjo’s drawing to porcelain is a testament to Lladro’s craftsmanship, with each stroke being hand engraved and hand-painted in black and gold luster. Láolú’s personal graphic language is thus integrated into the sculptural form, giving rise to a singular and committed work.
Materialization of a Spiritual Connection with Art
Senbanjo’s creative process, which the artist calls “the Sacred Art of the Ori”, is a spiritually guided exercise that seeks to elevate consciousness as much as it seeks to create a work of art. The black color and various shapes create complex, story-driven designs that draw heavily on the author’s Yoruba roots.
Inspired by Yoruba body painting rituals, he applies traditional African patterns with charcoal, ink, and paint on everything from buildings and cars to paper, wood, and the skin of his models. And now, also on porcelain: “When I met Lladró, I was impressed by the different cultures I saw represented in their universe”, explains Láolú. “It’s the first time I’ve worked with porcelain. It has a shine and luster when exposed to light that doesn’t appear in any other type of ceramic, and it’s beautiful; something so striking and genuine. The elegance it gives off is something that cries out for art, for visions of different expressions.”
The Dreamer by Láolú is available starting November 2, 2023, until supplies last. The collection will be available online at lladro.com and Lladró boutiques around the world.
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