Internationally renowned British artist Yinka Ilori designs Canary Wharf’s first ever basketball court with the theme ‘be the best you can be’.
WORLD renowned artist, Yinka Ilori, has transformed Bank Street Park in Canary Wharf, with a colourful basketball court. Unique to the Estate, the free-to-use space has a mesmerising display of colours and striking patterns.
The basketball court is the first of its kind to open at Canary Wharf and was specifically designed for the 3×3 style of play, where three on each side compete using just one basketball hoop. Players are welcomed to free throw and swish whilst surrounded by the artist’s recognisable and colour-obsessed style, that covers the entirety of the court’s surface and surrounding walls.
With the theme ‘be the best you can be’, the court has been designed to inspire visitors with a sense of hope and optimism following a very challenging year.
The creative court uses polypropylene tiles from Oncourt, which aim to mimic the ball bounce and shock absorbing qualities of spring-loaded gym flooring. OnCourt’s Traction2 surface is the first modular outdoor sports flooring to feature machine printed, rather than painted, line markings, for accuracy and longevity as well as greater complexity in design and colours for bespoke branded courts.
Fusing his British and Nigerian heritage, Yinka tells a story of contemporary design and vibrancy with the playful and eye-catching installation. The internationally commended artist believes that design and architecture should be for everyone, and this inclusive and interactive artwork is an example of this belief in practice.
“I have loved this project because this is my first ever basketball court. I wanted to give people a space they can come and just enjoy being outdoors and being together again. I love that it’s free to use, creating a feeling of inclusivity and giving somewhere for community to get together,” said Illori.
“I feel like my project is part of the new Canary Wharf challenging any perceptions of what people might have once had of the area. It is a place that people can live, work, and enjoy whilst experiencing a great fusion of different cultures.”
A series of additional activities were hosted at the court throughout the summer months, including tournaments, classes, and events. A charity event was run in August with well[1]known basketball coach, Gary Maitland, in partnership with AFK – a charity that supports disabled children and young people.
The creative works of Yinka add to Canary Wharf’s growing portfolio of public art that now features over 75 permanent works by over 50 world-renowned artists and crafts people. The showcase is the UK’s largest free-to-visit collection of public art.
