Tiwani Contemporary
Brand development. United Kingdom, 2012.
Direct client.

This London-based gallery specialising in Contemporary African Art needed an identity capable of reflecting the elevated status of work coming from the continent, especially Nigeria and its diaspora. Whilst it was important to infuse the brand with african aesthetic qualities, it was also key to avoid visual common-places. Given that the works of art can routinely command three figure sums, it was essential to keep the proposition upmarket, understated and authoritative.

The word “tiwani” means “it belongs to us” in yorubà dialect so the solution is based on the concepts of ownership, focus and protection where all the images and messages are placed within a frame. The colour palette skews towards hues of green in reference to Nigeria's national colour. The typographic choice was inspired by urban sign painting found in African cities.

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The word “tiwani” means “it belongs to us” in yorubà dialect so the solution is based on the concepts of ownership, focus and protection where all the images and messages are placed within a framing device.

Traditional sign painting is prevalent in African cities, especially in small businesses such as barbershops. The choice of typography for Tiwani takes inspiration from lettering painted with a wide brush, giving the characters a dimensional quality and textural interest.