ART X Lagos has successfully wrapped up its ninth edition, which ran for four days from October 31 to November 3, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s theme, ‘Promised Lands,’ drew artists, galleries, and art collectors from across Africa and around the globe to the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island.
Galleries That Participated in ART X Lagos 2024
The fair featured a curated selection of at least ten galleries. According to the Premium Times, the galleries that participated in the ART X Lagos event included:
- Nigerian Galleries: Alexis Gallery, Affinity Art Gallery, ODA Art Gallery, kó, and Nike Art Gallery.
- UK Galleries: Tiwani Contemporary and Kanbi Projects.
- Others: Afriart Gallery/Uganda, Gallery 1957/Ghana, and Galerie MAM/Cameroon.
One of the main attractions was the “Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers” gallery. The exhibition honored individuals who have made significant but often overlooked contributions to African culture and society.
It showcased works inspired by figures like Elizabeth Awoliyi, Nigeria’s first female physician, and Oladunni Odoguwa, a pioneering female drummer.
Late Herbert Wigwe Receives Special Tribute During ART X Lagos 2024
On the first day of the recently held ART X Lagos event, a tribute was paid to the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who was a prominent supporter of the arts and former Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Holdings Plc.
Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder and CEO of ART X Collective, spoke about Wigwe’s contributions, stating,
“This year’s edition pays tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, who recognised the potential of Nigerian exports and was pivotal to the vision of the Art X fair. His legacy reminds us that greatness stems from courage, collaboration, and the audacity to challenge the status quo.”
Herbert Wigwe sadly passed away early this year in February due to a helicopter crash. He was a visionary patron whose contributions helped shape the art fair’s trajectory and uplifted African creativity. In addition, he connected artists with the financial sector and played a huge role in establishing the Access ART X Prize. A platform that supports growing artists throughout Africa.
Exhibitions and Programs
What May Come – Heaven or Dystopia
For the new talents, two Access ART X Prize winners, Julius Agbaje and Shabu Mwangi, presented their solo exhibitions under the theme “What May Come – Heaven or Dystopia.” The fair characterized this theme as both “physical and metaphorical,” encouraging visitors to explore the different possibilities that the future may hold.
Art X Cinema
ART X Lagos 2024 expanded its focus beyond visual arts by introducing the Art X Cinema program. This segment showcased works by African filmmakers, offering them a platform to tell their stories through motion pictures.
Art X Live
The ART X LIVE event, sponsored by Enjoy Corp, delighted the audience with exceptional Nigerian music. The live bands would sometimes mix traditional Fuji sounds with modern styles and each performance was enhanced by thrilling visuals. See some of the artists who performed here.
Additional Info on ART X Lagos 2024
The event encouraged dialogue through its ART X Talks series and the “Speakers’ Corner: The Crossroads.” These programs facilitated discussions on a range of topics, including Nigeria’s socio-political matters and the impact of African culture on the global art. Furthermore, to inspire future generations of art enthusiasts, the art fair continued its Schools’ Programme. This programme helps to expose students to contemporary African art through workshops and tours.
Overall, ART X Lagos 2024 has once again accomplished its mission of promoting African art and providing a platform for both established and growing artists to showcase their work to a global audience. As the fair prepares for another run next year, we can hope that more legacies will be acknowledged and more works celebrated.
