Maro Itoje is a professional rugby union player who plays for the north London club Saracens and for the England national team. Last year, he and his business partner Khalil Akar founded Akoje Gallery, which is dedicated to promoting artists with unique perspectives, particularly African, Caribbean and diaspora artists.
The Art Newspaper: You have long been involved in raising awareness of Black history in Britain—is that reflected in your own art collection?
Maro Itoje: All of my art collection is from African and diaspora artists, so I guess it’s wholly reflected in my personal art collection. When we’re talking about raising awareness about Black history, Black history is part of British history, so the more we can do in that area the better, and would lead to the greater good for all of us in society.
How quickly do you decide to buy a work of art?
I’m not really spontaneous when it comes to financial decisions, so it doesn’t deviate too much when it comes to art. I would very rarely see an art piece that I like and buy it straight away. I would often reflect on it, probably go home and do a bit of research on it. And if I do love it, I will buy it when it’s possible.
One of Akoje Gallery’s artists, Oluwole Omofemi, made the last commissioned portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II © Oluwole Omofemi
What was the first work you bought?
The first work I bought was at the art market in Lekki [in Nigeria], by an artist called Omotoshe. It’s full of beautiful colour and vibrancy, it’s striking and abstract.
What was the last work you bought?
The last piece of art I bought was by Oluwole Omofemi. Femi is one of our outstanding artists we represent at Akoje Gallery. His works capture the femininity, the esteem, strength and beauty of Black women and celebrate heritage in a way that is truly striking. You may recall his portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which we worked with Tatler to commission for the special platinum jubilee edition of the magazine. It was the last commissioned painting of Her Majesty.
What do you regret not buying when you had the chance?
I don’t have any regrets! I think things happen for a reason. There have been a couple that I missed out on, but it probably wasn’t the right time.
If you could have any work from any museum, what would it be?
Probably the Mona Lisa! I’m not too sure if it would be safe in my house, I’d probably need to hire some extra security, but that would be a nice piece to have. But I’m a big fan of Amoako Boafo, a Ghanaian artist, and I know he’s in a couple of museums now. I would love to have some of his work.
Where do you like to eat and drink in London?
Maison Estelle in Mayfair. It’s a member’s club which I love to frequent. It’s got great food and great service.
Park life: Maro Itoje is a big fan of London’s many green spaces. Topping his list is Regent’s Park, which offers not just a huge area of gardens, but the Frieze Sculpture exhibition Chris/Adobe Stock
What’s your least favourite thing about art fairs?
My least favourite thing about art fairs, and perhaps the art industry in general, is that often it can feel that there are unnecessary barriers to entry from a social point of view. Often in the language around art, people use certain rhetoric which can be isolating to certain people. The good thing about art is that everyone can have an opinion, everyone can be a judge and critic— so it need not be that way. In terms of barriers to entry for artists themselves, I do think things are improving. I’m a Frieze 91 Committee member, where my role is to provide a platform for artists from Africa, the Caribbean and diaspora—which is also the central ethos of Akoje Gallery. It’s cool to see a global art fair acknowledging, celebrating and elevating different voices and perspectives.
Where do you go in London to get away from it all?
I love a good London park. My favourite park is probably Regent’s Park, especially during Frieze week. Holland Park is cool, there are some nice peacocks there. Hyde Park is also nice. Parks, a nice little stroll… and Hampstead Heath! How could I forget that?
What tip would you give to someone visiting London for the first time?
My advice for anyone visiting London for the first time would be to try
to explore the different sides of London. Don’t limit your stay to just one area. London is such a beautifully diverse city. East London differs greatly from west London. Each community has their own thing that’s quite special about them so I’d try to go and see all the weird and wonderful things in each neighbourhood.