From 6th to 23rd August 2026, Devonshire Square will welcome ‘Hope’, a captivating contemporary art exhibition by talented Nigerian artist Tayo Ayelowo, presented at DSQube Creative Studio.
Showcasing a collection of original artworks, the exhibition invites visitors into a world of colour, texture and storytelling, where the rich heritage of African batik is reimagined through a contemporary artistic lens.
At the heart of Tayo Ayelowo’s artistic practice lies a profound connection to memory, identity and the enduring power of textiles. Drawing on her childhood experiences in Lagos, Tayo explores the cultural significance of African batik – a textile tradition deeply woven into moments of celebration, self-expression and community.
Her earliest memories are filled with the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of batik garments worn by her mother, sparking a lifelong fascination with the craftsmanship and stories embedded within each design. This appreciation later evolved during her undergraduate years, when Tayo began trading in African batik fabrics, developing a refined eye for unique patterns, colour combinations and the artistic value of each piece.
Today, these personal and cultural connections continue to shape her work. Using recycled off-cut African batik sourced from Liverpool Street Market, Tayo transforms discarded textile fragments into contemporary artworks that celebrate renewal and reinvention.
Through layering, composition and texture, she breathes new life into materials that might otherwise be forgotten, creating works that honour heritage while engaging with themes of sustainability and transformation.
The title Hope speaks to this process of revival – a reminder that beauty can emerge through change, and that fragments of the past can be reassembled into something new. Each artwork becomes a conversation between tradition and contemporary expression, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories held within materials and the memories they carry.
The exhibition will open with a vernissage on Thursday 6th August 2026, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at DSQube Creative Studio, Devonshire Square.
The event is free to attend and guests will have the opportunity to meet the artis, discover the inspiration behind her work, and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink courtesy of Madame F and Devonshire Square’s iconic restaurant Enoteca da Luca.
Entry to the exhibition is free throughout its duration.
Gallery opening hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11am – 4.30pm
Sunday: 1pm – 4.30pm
Part of DSQ’s Annual Cultural Programme, curated by Devonshire Square’s Community and Events Management, Hope reflects Devonshire Square’s ongoing commitment to supporting talented artists from diverse backgrounds by providing them with a platform to share their vision and creative expression, while connecting with the local community and a broad international audience.
About the DSQube Creative Studio
Since its launch, DSQube has welcomed 105 visual artists to exhibit their work, with more than 22,500 visitors engaging with the artworks presented. The programme supports both emerging and established artists whose creative work is inspired by themes aligned with DSQ’s core values, including sustainability, social and ecological emergency, cultural diversity, inclusion, and emotional healing through the transformative power of art.
Connect with Devonshire Square
To stay updated on Devonshire Square’s upcoming events and activations follow DSQ on Instagram.
If you have a query regarding DSQ’s Cultural Programme or arts festivals, please contact the DSQ Team at frontdesk@dsq.london, marking your enquiry for the attention of the Community and Events Manager.