A new façade for the Birmingham site of Selfridges has been revealed, and it features a new public art commission by artist Osman Yousefzada.
Previously famous for its bulbous blue shape and large silver disks, the building is now covered by a canvas that features Yousefzada’s black and pink patterned design.
Yousefzada, who was born in Birmingham and is himself the son of Pakistani-Afghan migrants, said: “The work is entrenched in autoethnographic elements of migration, community formation and how they happen, interact and settle. The work reflects my personal story and more widely my ethnic history and some of the symbolisms inherent to my culture.”
Selfridges Creative Director, Hannah Emslie added: “Selfridges is celebrating the communities of Birmingham through a unique art commission that represents both optimism and transformation. This new work by Osman Yousefzada is uplifting but also meaningful and deeply connected to the fabric and culture of the city. By changing the skyline – at a time when the city itself is changing – we hope to make the world brighter through creative expression and the people of Birmingham even prouder of their iconic city.”
