Lladró, the renowned Spanish porcelain brand, has made history with its newest collection, The Dreamer by Láolú, which marks the brand’s first collaboration with an African artist. Láolú Senbanjo, a prominent New York-based Nigerian artist, has joined forces with Lladró to bring the spirituality of the Yoruba heritage to life through porcelain art. This captivating collection features two limited edition sculptures that seamlessly blend elements of Yoruba culture and other Nigerian traditions with a contemporary twist.
Known for his multifaceted talents as a visual artist, musician, human rights lawyer, and activist, Láolú Senbanjo, also known as “Laolu NYC,” brings his signature geometric patterns in black and gold to the white canvas of Lladró porcelain. The painstaking craftsmanship of Lladró is evident in the intricate hand engravings and hand-painted strokes in black and gold luster, faithfully capturing Senbanjo’s creative vision.
The Dreamer by Láolú showcases the artist’s unique creative process, which he calls “the Sacred Art of the Ori.” Rooted in spiritual guidance, this process aims to elevate consciousness while creating artwork. Senbanjo’s designs draw heavily from his Yoruba roots, incorporating traditional African patterns inspired by Yoruba body painting rituals. Previously, the artist has applied these patterns to various mediums such as charcoal, ink, paint, and even the skin of his models. With this collaboration, porcelain becomes a new canvas for his expressive artistry.
Reflecting on his collaboration with Lladró, Senbanjo expresses his admiration for the diverse cultures represented in their universe. Porcelain, with its shine and luster when exposed to light, captivated the artist, offering a unique and striking surface for his artistic expression. Senbanjo describes porcelain as elegantly beautiful and compelling, an ideal medium that welcomes diverse artistic visions.
The Dreamer by Láolú not only showcases the creative partnership between Lladró and Senbanjo but also serves as a meeting point where cultures converge, pushing artistic boundaries beyond limits and rules. The collection embodies both Lladró’s commitment to providing greater visibility and awareness of culture and the arts and Senbanjo’s mission to reinterpret ancestral techniques while exploring new creative paths.
The Dreamer is the latest addition to Lladró’s creative project, where global artists are invited to give life to their imagination. This project presents limited series sculptures, such as heads and busts, serving as blank canvases for artists to express their unique perspectives and understanding of the world. With The Dreamer Collection, Lladró invites viewers to delve into the universe of dreams, thoughts, aspirations, and concerns—an artistic representation of the richness that lies within each individual.
In collaborating with Láolú Senbanjo, Lladró has not only accomplished a groundbreaking collaboration but has also ushered in a new era of cultural exchange through art. The Dreamer by Láolú serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend borders and bridge diverse traditions, keeping ancient artistic expressions alive while embracing contemporary creativity.
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.