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Aspinal x Kojo Marfo

Aspinal of London has joined forces with the renowned JD Malat Gallery to launch an exclusive design collaboration that takes its inspiration from the vibrant work of the London-based Ghanaian artist, Kojo Marfo. The collaboration sees Marfo's internationally known figurative abstractions meet Aspinal's modern heritage and trademark craftsmanship across a collection of limited edition silk scarves and pocket squares. It takes creative inspiration from Marfo's innovative compositions featuring abstract figures, animals and vibrant floral designs. The launch of the collaboration will coincide with Marfo's debut solo exhibition entitled Dreaming of Identity at JD Malat Gallery from 10 June to 17 July.

To create the limited edition collection of scarves, Aspinal has referenced two of Marfo's paintings for the designs: The Majestic Empress and Object of Worship. The images reference the 'melting pot' of Marfo's life experiences, one depicting a family and the other an abstract bliss of Marfo's world. Each design was personally selected by Aspinal's Creative Director, Mariya Dykalo, based upon their synergy with Aspinal's brand values. As Dykalo says:

Aspinal is a family run business with a strong heritage, yet a constant desire to be innovative. Kojo’s incredible designs embody this spirit.

Born in Ghana and having lived in New York, and now based in London, Marfo has developed a unique style that encompasses his wide range of influences in an effort to express his experiences and comment on society, his work has since been acquired by top international collectors.

Jean-David Malat, Founder of JD Malat Gallery, introduced Marfo's work to Dykalo at the start of the year. After meeting several years ago, Malat and Dykalo realised they shared a passion for exploring new projects. Excited by the potential of bringing together two contrasting creative entities, they both relish the idea of blending the cool, bold work of Marfo with the elegance of Aspinal.
The collaboration seeks to highlight how art and fashion are not just creative outlets, they act together as a vehicle to inspire forces for change. "It has been a privilege to work with Kojo's extraordinary paintings," Mariya Dykalo says.

His work is unique and thought provoking, as well as boldly colourful and beautiful. I am personally drawn to the strong matriarchal and family connotations throughout his art. The Aspinal aesthetic has always been a mix of refined sophistication with contemporary style, and Kojo's paintings are modern, relevant and culturally rich. It's truly an honour to be partnering with Kojo and JD Malat Gallery on this launch.

Mariya Dykalo

Kojo’s work is truly unique and I am so pleased that Aspinal and Kojo have come together for this collaboration. Aspinal is classic, elegant and timeless. Kojo’s work is innovative and culturally connective. Bringing the two together will be really rewarding as it marks an unexpected fusion of two seemingly very different art forms. I think it is important, now more than ever, to challenge the status quo and do something different because that is what encourages change and development.

Jean-David Malat

Aspinal has had a long-term interest in supporting the arts. Founder Iain Burton first established the brand through working with the world's most prestigious museums, such as The Louvre, The Vatican, and The National Gallery, supplying each museum's gift shop with bespoke hand-crafted stationery made in England. Aspinal of London x Kojo Marfo marks the first of a series of collaborations between the brand and artists of different forms, presenting an unexpected reimagination of Aspinal's timeless designs fused with the individual expression of contemporary art.

The Majestic Empress Silk Scarf (Left) & Object Of Worship Silk Scarf (Right), 90 x 90cm, £140 each