Lagos Art week starts in a few days and there is so much happening during this week.
The commercial city is experiencing a weekends of exhibition openings and art events starting from October 26th up until November 3rd.
From art collectives, to group exhibitions and solo exhibitions, and not to forget West Africa's largest art fair, ARTX Lagos and the yearly art fair organized by the Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), October Rain.
The exhibitions and fairs bring a diversity in medium, a convergence of artists from within the continent and the diaspora with artists exploring various issues spanning government, politics, religion and daily experiences.
EXHIBITIONS
Galleries
Interwoven Forms | Alli Raheem and Ebong Ekwere
Signature Gallery| Runs till October 26
Kicking off the Lagos Art Week is the ongoing exhibition at Signature Beyond Gallery, with two sculptors-Alli Raheem and Ebong Ekwere. The exhibition which opened on October 19th and runs until October 26th. Presented together, the sculptures of Raheem and Ekwere transform the gallery space into an arena of interplay between solidity and motion, simplicity and complexity.
The exhibition offers a compelling dialogue between two artists who, while distinct in their styles, share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary African sculpture. Through this showcase, Interwoven Forms invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between tradition and modernity, and to appreciate the power of sculpture to convey meaning beyond the surface.
I See (Wo)men As Trees | Taiye Idahor
O'DA Art | October 26-November 30
O'DA Art will host I See (Wo)men as Trees, a solo exhibition by Taiye Idahor. It is her first exhibition in Nigeria in a decade. This highly anticipated exhibition is a multifaceted exploration of ownership, freedom, identity, and the rich legacies women inherit across generations.
At its core, the exhibition examines women’s resilience and deep-rooted connection to their histories, lands, and communities. Through her portrayal of women as both individual and collective figures, Taiye highlights their role as living embodiments of history, continually branching out while remaining firmly grounded in the soil of their ancestry.
Substratum: Anatomy Of Support System | Onyema Offoedu-Okeke
Sachs Gallery | October 26-November 8
Sachs Gallery is hosting, Substratum: Anatomy Of Support System, a long-awaited solo exhibition by Onyema Offoedu-Okeke, marking his first in a decade. The Nigerian artist, whose last major showing was in 2014, is renowned for embedding Igbo cosmology and identity into his work. Offoedu-Okeke’s art spans a range of distinctive techniques, from his rectilinear panels with vertical lines resembling visual totems, to his ‘cranioglyph’ face series and his intricate, grid-like ‘tapestroid’ paintings. The exhibition, a significant event in his career, runs until November 8th.
In Stillness of Being | Chigozie Obi
YENWA Gallery | October 26-December 6
Yenwa Gallery is set to unveil In Stillness of Being, the latest exhibition by Nigerian artist Chigozie Obi, following her breakthrough at ART X Lagos in 2022. The show, featuring 15 new works alongside an immersive audio-visual installation, explores the often overlooked strength and resilience found in the daily lives of women—specifically Black women and their communities. Through this lens, Obi offers a nuanced meditation on rest and recovery.
At the heart of In Stillness of Being lies a deeply personal narrative, emerging from Obi’s response to the loss of her mother. The absence of photographs documenting their time together prompted the artist to delve into a new phase of her practice—one dedicated to preserving lived experiences through art. The works span intimate moments, from solitary reflection to communal gatherings, capturing stillness as an essential space for healing and self-care.
“Obi’s work critiques the cultural tendency to portray Black women solely through narratives of trauma, instead shifting the lens toward the quiet moments of care, resilience, and joy that are often overlooked” says Nneoma Ilogu, curator of the exhibition.
Eternal Life | Edozie Anedu
Wunika Mukan Gallery | October 26- November 18
Opening at Wunika Mukan Gallery is Eternal Life, a solo exhibition by renowned self-taught artist Edozie Anedu, debuting on October 26th. This highly anticipated exhibition will feature ten new works, where Anedu delves into the concept of eternity, merging traditional stained glass influences with contemporary abstract techniques. His work explores humanity’s timeless quest to understand life beyond the physical realm.
Drawing inspiration from his Catholic heritage, Anedu’s art reflects on the contrasts between good and evil, pleasure and sin, and the tension between youth and experience. Known for combining layers of oil and acrylic, Anedu creates ethereal, almost translucent finishes, which invite viewers to engage in deep contemplation about the human condition.
Luminous Presence | Chidi Kwubiri
Alexis Galleries | October 26- November 9
Alexis Galleries is set to host a highly anticipated solo exhibition, “Luminous Presence,” featuring the works of artist Chidi Kwubiri. The exhibition will explore themes of light, art, and soul, weaving a journey into the heart of illumination. Kwubiri’s unique style, known for its radiant vibrancy and thought-provoking elements, promises to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The exhibition will be officially opened by His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, an avid art collector and supporter of the visual arts in Nigeria.
Big Sculpture | Group Exhibition
AMG Projects | October 29-November 20
On October 29th, AMG Projects, will play host to a significant gathering of Nigeria’s contemporary sculptors. Titled “BIG Sculpture: An Anthology of Contemporary Sculpture in Nigeria,” the exhibition brings together an impressive line-up of established and emerging talents who are reshaping the landscape of Nigerian art.
Among the participating artists is Bruce Onobrakpeya, one of the nation’s most revered figures, whose influence on the Nigerian art scene spans more than six decades. Also featured are both mid-career and rising sculptors, including Adeola Balogun, known for his innovative use of discarded materials, and Olumide Onadipe, whose environmental concerns inform his sculptures made from repurposed plastic. The exhibition will also highlight works by Bunmi Babatunde and Olu Amoda, both celebrated for their mastery in capturing Nigeria’s socio-cultural complexities through metalwork and large-scale installations.
This will be a first of its kind in recent times where sculptures are assembled and cut across generations. The sculptors are not just crafted figures made from metal, wood, or recycled plastic; they are shaping the identity of a modern Nigeria, telling our stories across generations", said Jide Ogunsanya, director of AMG projects.
Kindred Spirits | Aka Circle of Artists
kó Gallery | October 31-December 21
kó Gallery is set to unveil Kindred Spirits: A Gathering of the Aka Circle of Artists, an exhibition that brings together the works of fifteen prominent members of the Aka Circle of Exhibiting Artists. The roster includes celebrated names like El Anatsui, Obiora Udechukwu, Chike Aniakor, and Chika Okeke-Agulu, with the exhibition curated by Iheanyi Onwuegbucha.
Founded in 1985 by Anatsui and Udechukwu, the Aka Circle was instrumental in shaping Nigeria's contemporary art landscape. Between 1986 and 2000, the group gained acclaim for their provocative approaches, which defied Western artistic conventions and pushed the boundaries of the local art scene. Their first exhibitions, held in Enugu and Lagos in 1986, set the tone for what would become a transformative era for Nigerian art.
This exhibition marks the first time the group has reunited in nearly two decades. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of these artists, each of whom has spent the past four decades forging their own creative paths. Kindred Spirits serves as a tribute to the collective's enduring influence and their ongoing contributions to expanding the frontiers of contemporary African art.
"This exhibition marks a special occasion: the 80th birthday of El Anatsui in 2024 and
the 50th anniversary of his arrival in Nigeria in 2025. Anatsui, a Ghanaian artist of global
acclaim, has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian art scene since joining the Department of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975," revealed Iheanyi Onwuegbucha.
In The Mix | Group Exhibition
Soto Gallery | November 3-December 7
The exhibition, In the Mix is hosted in Soto Gallery and features six artists from Zimbabwe. The artists include, Admire Kamudzengere Lilian Magodi, Mercy Moyo, Nyashadzashe Marovatsanga, Sky Salanje and Wycliffe Mundopa. There works look at Africa’s postcolonial journey, capturing the friction between order and disorder as it defines cultural identity.
The artists employ a blend of figuration and abstraction, rendering complex narratives of identity, history, and modernity. Their use of color, form, and texture forms a visual dialogue that confronts viewers with the contradictions of contemporary African life, where tradition and modernity clash and coexist, yet rarely reconcile. The exhibition eschews definitive answers, embracing instead the unresolved tensions that define the continent’s cultural evolution.
Dreaming New Worlds 'Collective Illusions' | Group Exhibition
Old Government Printing Press | 2 - 30 November, 2024
The 2024 edition of Dreaming New Worlds is set to launch this November, bringing an exciting fusion of art, science, and technology to Lagos. Taking place at the Old Government Printing Press on 6 Broad Street from November 2nd to November 30th, this year’s theme, "Collective Illusions," invites visitors to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation in our fast-evolving world.
Curated by the visionary Chinyere Obieze, the exhibition delves into how cultural knowledge continues to thrive in an era shaped by digital realities. Artists, scientists, and technologists will present their works across diverse mediums, ranging from quantum principles and 3D printing to projection mapping, biotech, and augmented reality.
The exhibition is strengthened by mentors Dr. Odun Orimolade and Ade Adekola. This edition promises to push the boundaries of creative expression and challenge the ways we perceive tradition and technology in today's world.
Lamp Atelier: Live Demonstration | Tejumola Adenuga
Art Twenty One | November 2
Art Twenty One is set to give visitors an immersive experience with their resident artist, Tejumola Adenuga, renowned for his innovative creations. The event, set for Saturday, 2nd November 2024, will offer attendees a rare opportunity to witness Adenuga's artistic process firsthand.
From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the artist will present a live demonstration, showcasing the production of his signature lamps, crafted from Jesmonite and inspired by Nigeria's diverse landscapes. Known for blending functionality with aesthetic beauty, Adenuga’s work is celebrated for its unique approach to design and materials.
Museums
Collecting Now: Perspectives on Contemporary Art Collecting in Nigeria | Collectors Exhibition
Yemisi Shyllon Museum | October 26 - February 28, 2025
Yemis Shyllon Museum will showcase Collecting Now: Perspectives on Contemporary Art Collecting in Nigeria, an exhibition of works from six renowned collectors—Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Kola Aina, Aisha & Gbenga Oyebode, Dotun Sulaiman, Niyi Adenubi, and Eyamba Dafinone—each bringing their unique approach to contemporary art. The exhibition examines WHAT these collectors choose to collect, WHY they do so, and HOW their practices contribute to defining modern African art.
ART FAIRS
Art X Lagos
The Federal Palace | October 31 - November 3
ART X Lagos has established itself as West Africa’s foremost international art fair, serving as a vibrant stage for contemporary African and diasporic culture. Since its inception in 2016, it has become a key destination in the global art circuit, attracting artists and galleries from more than 70 countries and welcoming participants from 170 nations. The fair has played a pivotal role in enhancing Lagos' status as a cultural hub with global reach.
Central to ART X Lagos is the Access ART X Prize, Nigeria’s premier award for emerging artists from Africa and its diaspora. This prize has gained renown for launching careers onto the international stage, underscoring the fair’s commitment to nurturing talent and reshaping perceptions of African art globally.
Now in its ninth edition, ART X Lagos continues to be a cornerstone of the African art landscape. The 2024 fair will run from 31 October to 3 November, further cementing its position as a transformative force in the redefinition of Africa’s cultural narrative.
October Rain
Tim & Carol Gallery/ The Gemini Gallery | October 26 - November 9
This year’s edition of the October Rain Art Fair organized by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) will shine a spotlight on one of Nigeria’s most revered artistic figures, Professor Bruce Onabrakpeya, celebrating his unwavering dedication to the evolution of Nigerian art. The fair, scheduled for October 26 at The Gemini Gallery, Onikan, and October 27 at Tim & Carol Gallery, Ikeja, will feature over 50 works from a diverse range of artists.
The 2024 edition is designed as a two-part exhibition, honoring Onabrakpeya’s significant contributions to the global recognition of Nigerian art. The first part of the show at The Gemini Gallery will open one day before the second part at Tim & Carol Gallery, giving attendees an extended opportunity to engage with the art.
The participating artists will include Onabrakpeya’s contemporaries, as well as notable artists from the generation that followed. Alongside them, contemporary artists who have made their mark on the art scene, and a selection of up-and-coming talents, will showcase their works.
TALKS
Community and the Individual Talent: El Anatsui and the Aka Circle of Artists
Wheatbaker Hotel | November 3, 2024 | 4:00pm
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, art enthusiasts in Lagos will have the opportunity to attend a compelling public lecture titled “Community and the Individual Talent: El Anatsui and the Aka Circle of Artists”. This event will be delivered by Professor Chika Okeke-Agulu, a renowned art historian and the Robert Schirmer Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies at Princeton University.
The lecture will be held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, and is organized in conjunction with the exhibition Kindred Spirits: A Gathering of the Aka Circle of Artists. This exhibition brings together works from members of the Aka Circle, a collective of Nigerian artists that has made significant contributions to contemporary African art.
Professor Okeke-Agulu, also the Director of the Program in African Studies and the Africa World Initiative at Princeton, will provide insights into the relationship between artistic individuality and community in the context of El Anatsui’s career and the impact of the Aka Circle.
The event promises to be an enriching exploration of contemporary African art, highlighting the influence of collaborative networks like the Aka Circle on the global art scene. Admission is free, making it a must-attend for art lovers, students, and professionals alike.
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