Kenya’s national flag and the country’s most famous slogan Hakuna Matata will make a permanent feature at the Emirates Stadium, the home of 13-time English Premier League champions Arsenal, following the club’s reveal of a new artwork that will adorn the ground’s exterior.In the design that was brought to life by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, critically acclaimed artist Reuben Dangoor and distinguished graphic designer David Rudnick, the Kenyan flag and slogan were represented in the ‘We All Follow Arsenal’ section that is inspired by the ‘supporters’ deep connection to the club, wherever they are in the world.’Our new Emirates Stadium artwork. @Arsenal Kenya well represented. #COYG pic.twitter.com/arqRKJurWd— Arsenal Kenya 🇰🇪 (@arsenalfckenya) January 11, 2023 According to Arsenal, “the eight new pieces of art that will transform the north London skyline and redefine the club’s home as a cultural landmark were designed to curate insight on the club’s heritage, culture and community in order to inspire what they stand for in 2023 and beyond.”“While each piece of art has a different theme, they are unified in celebrating our rich history, community values and relentless pursuit of progress.Revealing our new Emirates Stadium artwork.Created by the Arsenal family.🔗 https://t.co/QBWqoDSLlc pic.twitter.com/B90oR84tgL— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 11, 2023 The project has only been possible thanks to the contribution of more than 100 supporters, legends and their families and a number of club staff. It began with a blank canvas and harnessed the passion, love and knowledge of our community across the world to create art that would express the pride they have in their club,” the club posted in a statement.Victoria Concordia Crescit Tells the story of our iconic players who embody the spirit of Arsenal.##NAJAVA_MECA_6937564##Drawing inspiration from the neoclassical style of French revolutionary paintings, Victoria Concordia Crescit celebrates our much-loved legends ready for battle alongside the famous cannons with flags emblazoned with our motto, which translates as Victory Through Harmony. The cannons have been part of our identity since we were formed by workers at the Royal Arsenal Ordnance Factory in 1886, and Victoria Concordia Crescit has been our motto since our very first season in north London in 1913/14My country’s flag and famous slogan represented in the new design for the Emirates Stadium by @ArsenalMy club❤️#COYG pic.twitter.com/eZ3QMTaSOp— Ochieng’ Stephen (@soo_ochieng) January 12, 2023 Remember Who You ArePays homage to the memories and history of our former home, Highbury.This stunning representation of the stadium’s East Stand – one of football’s architectural masterpieces – is firmly rooted in our DNA with special moments in time featuring some of our greatest players and managers included throughout the artwork.The name of the piece recalls a quote passed down through generations of our players and is now synonymous with David Rocastle: “Remember who you are, what you are and who you represent.”Arsenal fans in Kenya today held their annual national day of prayer. God is accessible to all who will seek Him. Kudos Arsenal fans. pic.twitter.com/i12jTCpQqY— ᏦᏔᏟ – KANU Pαɠҽ (@KWC_Congress) January 8, 2023 InvincibleInvincible immortalises two of our greatest glories: the women’s Champions League winning team of 2006/07 and the men’s invincible Premier League season of 2003/04.Arsène Wenger’s team remain the only side to achieve this feat in the modern era, while Vic Akers’ Gunners are the only British team to lift Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. Okwiri – I will knock out Ally Ndoro within five rounds‘Invincible’ is a term frequently associated with the legendary men’s team of 2003/04, but this striking artwork celebrates the remarkable invincibility of our women’s team in that 2006/07 season.The campaign was a stunning ‘quadruple’, combining European glory, with success in both domestic cups and it was also the third of four successive unbeaten, title-winning seasons for the team, highlighting their complete domestic dominance as well as glory in Europe.Come To See The Arsenal It is a bold, type-based design that celebrates our community roots and will be seen by passengers on southbound trains arriving into London passing Emirates Stadium.Korir, Kitata newest additions to star-studded Boston marathonTaking inspiration from Highbury as ‘The Home of Football’, the bespoke typeface creates an impactful design and draws on a strong focus from the workshops to evoke our north London pride. The typeface is a modified version of our new Northbank font, which draws inspiration from the lettering on Highbury’s East Stand. Eighteen Eighty-Six Is a bold, type-based design that symbolizes our constant pursuit of progress from our founding year in Woolwich through to our courageous move to north London in 1913 and beyond. Redcurrant and graphic cues on the ‘Always Forward’ scroll are a subtle nod to Highbury, while retro elements within the artwork are inspired by Arsenal iconography, such as the ermine motifs which featured on our historic ‘Victoria Concordia Crescit’ crest. 🗣️ “This club has so much history, so many supporters involved. I think it just shows what we are doing now as a club together. The people before have done so many amazing things, now it’s our turn.” Martin Ødegaard at the Emirates artwork reveal. 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/8yKVvR7lwC— TheAFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) January 11, 2023 We All Follow The Arsenal Is a rich tapestry inspired by our supporters’ deep connection to the club, wherever they are in the world, from Islington to India and beyond. Featuring over 150 official supporter groups spanning all continents, the artwork comprises 187 banners and flags in total.The physical banners are handmade and individually photographed to create the authentic, billowing flag effect🗣️ “We’ve got a very clear plan, headed up by Edu [Gaspar] about what we want to do to strengthen the squad. Every transfer window of course we are going to look at what opportunities are out there.”Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham on transfers💰 pic.twitter.com/TrtlOmK6Ms— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) January 11, 2023 Future Brilliance Is inspired by Arsène Wenger’s quote: “Here you have the opportunity to get out the greatness that is in each of you”The artwork reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for young players to develop and progress, with our players running into the flag on the left as young hopefuls and emerging as the fully-fledged legends we know and love today. Iconic Islington architecture is the backdrop to this heroic scene which represents our north London landscape. It pays homage to our local community and sends an inspiring message to the thousands of young people with whom we regularly engage through a variety of our community projects. Found a Place Where We BelongThis will be the ultimate illustrated crowd scene that represents the importance of the Arsenal family. The artwork will bring together 721 supporters who have contributed to our success, given so much to the community and followed us through thick and thin.Bespoke flags and banners, which were handmade in Woolwich, featuring terrace anthems sung throughout the ages will be woven into the artwork. The name of the piece is inspired by Dennis Bergkamp’s quote:”When you start supporting a football club, you don’t support it because of the trophies, or a player, or history, you support it because you found yourself somewhere there; found a place where you belong.”
