British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori has partially enclosed the Eros fountain at Piccadilly Circus in central London with a pair of brightly coloured plinths.
Named Good Things Come to Those Who Wait, the installation was designed to create a positive message at the centre of one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The artwork consists of a pair of Pegasus’s each perched on top of a bright orange, curved plinth made from perforated metal.
Each plinth is nestled into the steps surrounding the 19th-century Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, popularly known as Eros, on the southeastern side of Piccadilly Circus.
The orange plinths are adorned with the words “dream with love” and “protect your dreams” in bright yellow. The text is written in Yinka Sans Ultra – a custom typeface created for Ilori by type foundry British Standard Type.
Sat on top of the seven-metre-high plinths, the winged horses from Greek mythology are a nod to the statue that tops the fountain. Although the statue is commonly known as Eros, it actually depicts Eros’s brother Anteros.
“I am always looking for ways to make my work accessible to everyone and am grateful to be able to showcase this project in such an iconic public space,” said Ilori.
“Through my artwork and the legendary story of Pegasus, I hope to inspire people to pursue their dreams, and believe that hope can overcome adversity,” he continued. “Together, we can achieve the impossible!”
In Greek mythology, the winged horse Pegasus was born from the blood of Medusa after she was beheaded by the hero Perseus.
The artwork, which was created with Art of London, will be in place until 25 August. It is the latest installation created by Ilori in his signature bright colours. He recently designed a mirrored pavilion for self-reflection in Germany and a pair oversized chairs in east London.
