From 20 June to 12 October 2025, Amos Rex in Helsinki presents Transparent Happiness, a summer installation by British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori MBE. The project explores a central contradiction in Finland’s global image: while the country consistently ranks first in the World Happiness Report, many still hesitate to express joy openly in public spaces, fearing judgement.
Ilori confronts this tension directly. “True, unbridled expressions of joy are more often experienced at home or in church rather than in public,” he says. Transparent Happiness seeks to reverse that instinct—placing joy, play, and togetherness on display rather than keeping them hidden.
Set against the stark Modernist backdrop of the Glass Palace, the installation transforms one of Helsinki’s busiest public squares into a vibrant playground. A winding trail invites walking, running, or skateboarding. Alongside it are seating areas, a basketball court, and a ping-pong table, all adorned with Ilori’s signature Ododo pattern (Yoruba for “flower”).
The result is not simply a passageway but a place to pause, play, and belong. Visitors can borrow sports equipment from Amos Rex for a small deposit, underscoring Ilori’s belief that public space should be accessible, inclusive, and playful.
With Transparent Happiness, Ilori makes visible what is often invisible—belonging, joy, and community—rooted not in private rituals but celebrated in the heart of civic life.
