UK-BASED Nigerian conceptual artist Àsìkò says ‘celebrating new interpretations’ was his motivation for the artwork created for the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing.

The artwork features Michael Balogun and Akiya Henry, who play Benedick and Beatrice, pictured in costumes designed by Melissa Simon-Hartman, a London-based artist, couture fashion designer and owner of Simon-Hartman London, whose West African and West Indian inspired designs recently featured in a powerful catalogue of music videos including ‘Mood 4 Eva’ and ‘My Power’ as part of Beyonce’s 2020 visual album: Black Is King.

Àsìkò, whose solo exhibition ‘Of Myth and Legend’ is currently showing on Sloane Street in Knightsbridge, said of the Roy Alexander Weise directed play: “For me, the image was about celebrating new interpretations of the beloved Shakespeare characters using inspirations of Afrofuturism ideology. 

“It is also a joy to bring the aesthetic of my African identity into a visual story as it celebrates my heritage and the amazing diversity that exists in the UK. 

“Through the process of creating the work I sought to hybridise the English and African aspects of my heritage which is a common theme that flows through my work as an artist.

“Working with Roy, Melissa and the creative team was a great collaborative experience, the kind we as visual artists strive for in our journey.”

The production will also feature an original score by Nigerian-born British guitarist and MOBO award-nominated musician Femi Temowo whose past collaborators include Amy Winehouse, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Roots and Soweto Kinch.

The show will run in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from February 4 to March 12, 2022.