Nigerian artist and designer Myles Igwe has been appointed as the curator of the Nigerian Pavilion at the 2025 London Design Biennale, scheduled to take place from June 5 to 29 at Somerset House, London. Livin Spaces
A Vision Rooted in Cultural Reflection
The pavilion, titled Hopes and Impediments, draws inspiration from the critical essays of renowned Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe. The installation aims to unpack the complex layers of Nigeria’s individual and collective identity by reimagining the South-Eastern Lejja community as a future social capital.
As the London Design Biennale describes, the exhibition offers a “powerful and critical reflection on how identities are shaped, not just by personal experience, but by the collective memories, shifting histories, values, and realities that bind a community together.”
Myles Igwe: A Designer Bridging Heritage and Modernism
Myles Igwe is the founder of Nteje Studios, a multidisciplinary design studio based in Enugu, Nigeria. His work often explores the intersections of art, modernism, and heritage, drawing from Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry. Igwe’s designs, such as the Oji Sofas, inspired by the Igbo kola nut, and the Ozo Chair, pay homage to traditional symbols while incorporating contemporary aesthetics.
Igwe has been an active member of the Design Week Lagos community, where he has exhibited his work and contributed to discussions on African design. His appointment as curator of the Nigerian Pavilion is a testament to his commitment to exploring and showcasing Nigerian identity through design
Collaborative Efforts and Cultural Partnerships
The Centre For Memories (CFM), an organization dedicated to preserving Igbo history and culture, has partnered with the Nigerian Pavilion for the London Design Biennale 2025. This collaboration underscores the pavilion’s focus on cultural memory and the role of design in shaping collective narratives.
Anticipating the Exhibition
The Nigerian Pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2025 promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and culture. Through Hopes and Impediments, Myles Igwe invites audiences to engage with Nigeria’s past, present, and future, offering a nuanced perspective on the nation’s evolving identity.
For more information on the London Design Biennale and the Nigerian Pavilion, visit the official website.
