TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary

David Adjaye

David Adjaye is a renowned Ghanaian-British architect, widely recognized for his transformative and culturally significant architectural works. Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1966, Adjaye was raised in various countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, which greatly influenced his approach to design. He graduated from the Royal College of Art in London in 1993, establishing himself as an architect who integrates the personal, cultural, and historical narratives of each project into his designs.

Adjaye founded his own architecture practice, Adjaye Associates, in 2000, and quickly gained international recognition for his bold and innovative designs. His notable works include the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., a landmark building celebrated for its striking design that echoes African-American heritage. Other projects include the Ruby City Arts Center in San Antonio, Texas, and the design of several significant public and cultural spaces worldwide.

In 2005, Adjaye collaborated with the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson on a landmark project titled Your Black Horizon, commissioned by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21). Initially presented at the 51st Venice Biennale, this innovative art pavilion, which was later relocated to the Croatian island of Lopud in 2007, combines art and architecture in a contemplative space. The pavilion features black-walled rooms with a horizontal line of light that shifts in color every 15 minutes, simulating the sky's daily cycle. The collaboration brought together Adjaye's architectural expertise and Eliasson's mastery in creating immersive environments, inviting visitors to experience the horizon in a unique and reflective manner.

David Adjaye’s work continues to explore themes of cultural identity, history, and social justice, blending modern design with a deep understanding of the social context of each project. His work has been showcased in galleries and institutions worldwide, and he has received numerous awards for his contribution to architecture. Adjaye was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 for his services to architecture.

For more information, visit his official website: www.adjaye.com

Related works in the collection

Olafur Eliasson and David Adjaye
Your black horizon Art Pavilion, 2005

Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary: The Commissions Book
Sternberg Press, 2020