Documenting Yoruba heritage in Abanikonda-Adeyeye's art

Airat Olaide Abanikonda-Adeyeye's painting of 'Oranmiyan'

Deep into cultural values of Yoruba, artist Airat Olaide Abanikonda-Adeyeye’s works of paintings, being presented alongside archival photographs expand documentation of the people's fading heritage.

Through Olagoke, China-Africa Goes Art, Culture With Nigeria As Link

Artist, Lanre Olagoke (centre front row) during his visit to China for cultural exchange events.

Beyond investing and partnering with Africa in infrastrutural development, China keeps showning interest in the art and culture sector, so indicated an ongoing partnership. Being led by a Hangzhou, China-based businessman, Zhang Zonghua, the project, which include art, music, poetry and fashion is in partnership with U.K-based Nigerian-British artist, Lanre Olagoke.

La Floraison... making history with Alexis' 'Next Masters'

One of John Oyedemi's 'Duebor Race' series paintings.

From the Renaissance in Europe to the American modern era, history has proven that every country's art, most times, is built on the tripod of source, link  and the future. The link, as a major point in African art history connects the  modern period of the immediate past to the current fledging contemporary era.

In Lagos, four Portfolio II artists go prints

Lemi Ghariokwu, Renaissance, 2009/2018, Archival Giclee print on textured fine art paper, 60 x 60 cm_Edition of 50

Lemi Ghariokwu,  Demola Ogunajo, Williams Chechet, Dricky   Stickman and Deborah Segun are Portfolio II artists showing from December 1-15, 2018 at Miliki, 7B Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.

For 10th anniversary, artists guild show 'Creme de la creme'

Sam Ebohon, President, Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA).

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA), which kicked off the four  months long line up of events In September continues with a group art exhibition.

Sami's art of '...Beautiful Life' celebrates courage

From Hafsat Sani Sami's Imagining A Beautiful Life exhibition.

From the increasingly sorrowful muddy world, Hafsat Sani Sami's debut solo art exhibition distils hope and inspires direction towards self-discovery.

After experts' recommendation, France 'will return' non-iconic artefacts to Benin Republic

Some of the recommended artefacts of Dahomey origin listed for return by France.

Hope rises for return of looted artefacts of African origin as French President Emmanuel Macron has now made specific promise that France will return 26 artworks taken from Dahomey (now Benin Republic).

Tracking art of Bob-Nosa Uwagboe from 'Homme Libre' to 'Obituary'

' Stranded Immigrants', (acrylic, fabric, spray paint, paper collage on textured canvas), by Bob-Nosa Uwagboe.

When Bob-Nosa Uwagboe made his debut solo art exhibition titled Homme Libre, at African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, specifically, in July 2011, he set out on a mission with destiny. His art came during the period that the Lagos' visual arts environment was being challenged with evolving controversy about contents of contemporary Nigerian art.

61 years after, Prince Charles visits Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Lagos

Ben Enwonwu's son, Oliver (in white agbada) speaking with visiting Prince Charles during the exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II sculpture... in Lagos.

When Prince Charles visited Nigeria in November, 2018, the British royal family had a retrospection with the famous bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, in Lagos.

The sculpture was produced in 1957 by Ben Enwonwu MBE, to mark the Queen's visit to Nigeria.

For 21st auction, Arthouse converges Enwonwu, other African modern masters, contemporary artists

 'Masky Nudes' (1988, Gouache on paper, 49 x 37 cm), by
Ben Enwonwu.

Nigeria’s premier auction house, Arthouse Contemporary has announced the 21st edition of its auction of Modern and Contemporary Art, starting with preview from Friday, November 16 - Sunday 18, 2018 at Kia Showroom, 308 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, ahead of the auction holding on Monday, November 19, 2018, 6 p.m.

At LIMCAF 2018, jury's 'expectation' favoured avant-garde art

Ifedilichukwu Chibuike's Enigma (White pull knob, Long play record and Cropper) won the LIMCAF 2018 Over All Prize of N500,000..

     Preference for the avant-garde in Life In My City Arts Festival (LIMCAF) competition had been unwritten rule of the 12-year-old event. But the results of 2018 edition seemed to have come out openly in favour of the avant-garde form of art. 

Held at International Conference Centre, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, the grand finale’s prizes were given based on the 100 works on display. As an installation won the Over All Prize of the 12th LIMCAF art competition, the traditional forms of art performed fairly well too, though producing few winners.

Documenting 'Urban Culture...' through Alonge's travelogue-lens

An aerial view of Lagos Central Business District by Bolaji Alonge.

                   
Expanding Nigerian cities, stranded rurals, their nuances and splendour as well as deep acquatic contents come into the focal point of photographer, Bolaji Alonge. The shots, taken from select spots across the country builds up as new body of work for Alonge's second solo exhibition.

How Okereke got France’s prestigious ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’

Emeka Okereke (left), during the award ceremony in Lagos.

For his proficiency in photographer, filmmaking, writing and visual arts, Emeka Okereke, was conferred France’s prestigious insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre Des Arts et Des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the Ministry of Culture of France.

Arthouse takes five artists to 'Art X Lagos 2018'

Alimi Adewale, Sisi Eko II, Acrylic on wood, 11 x 18 x 19 inches

Adewale Alimi, Kelani Abass, Sokari Douglas Camp CBE, Nnenna Okore and Johnson Uwadinma go to Art X Lagos, showing at Booth 14 of Arthouse-The Space.

'Infinite Treasures 2018'... when masterly statements lift Lagos art season

'Twilight Glory', - National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, (36 x 48 inches, Oil on canvas, 2018), by Abiodun Olaku

Again, Lagos art season of the last quartre of the year will be enriched with the presence of artists, some of whose strokes, over the past three to four decades, have thickened the city's art landscape.

Kolade Oshinowo, Reuben Ugbine, Abiodun Olaku, Bunmi Babatunde, Sam Ovraiti, Duke Asidere,  Edosa Ogiugo, Alex Nwokolo, Felix Osiemi, Fidelis Eze Odogwu, Josshua Nmesirionye and Diseye Tantua are back with Infinite Treasures 2018, a yearly group exhibition opening on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. The 2018 edition is the fourth in the series since the same gathering changed the title from Distinction after two years.

Adekola's ‘Ghosts of Bar Beach’ unveils GalleryB57

From Adekola's 'Ghosts of Bar Beach' photography exhibition.

Lost memory of Lagos Bar Beach recovered in photography by Ade Adekola opens new space, GalleryB57.

A vote of 'Social Mediate' beauty for breast cancer awareness

From Olorunyemi Kolapo's 'Awelewa' series.

As communication -- specifically via the social media links -- increases art appreciation, health  information, among others is also being dragged along. From this dynamic narrative in social media, artist Olorunyemi Kolapo picks breast cancer awareness as a factor in projecting his art.

Unearthing retrospective of 'forgotten' modernist, Osadebe

'Inner Light', (Conte crayon on board, 2013, 123 x 80-1.5cm) by Oseloka Osadebe.

When Nigerian modern art got its revered era in the 1960s, young artists who were then known as members of Zaria Art Society were among the shining stars. Between then and now, some of the young Turks of that era -- trained at Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (now Ahmadu Bello University), Zaria --   living or departed still have their art active within the Nigerian trajectory, while others have vanished from historians' radar.

Art, design of 'Faces and Places' support breast cancer awareness

A painting by Bidemi Joseph and its design appropriation on cushions, at Alexis Galleries, Lagos.

When art and design return  to the same space, for the second time within a year, breast cancer awareness takes a lift in Lagos. Few months ago, paintings on canvas and its appropriated version for cushion and pillow thrilled art and  design enthusiasts at the maiden edition of Faces and Places.

Monuments artist, Sanwo goes drawing with 'Lines and Legacy'

'The Lost Patrimony' (Olaiya House).

It takes an artist like Kehinde Sanwo whose strokes relish the value of basic rules to be a repository of visual heritage. For over two decades of his nearly 30 years studio career, Sanwo's oeuvre of paintings in monument architecture themes is perhaps the richest in this part of the world.

New Int'l director for Art Dubai

Chloe Vaitsou.

Art Dubai has announced Chloe Vaitsou as its new International Director, starting her position in December 2018.

The 2019 edition of Art Dubai will hold from March 20-23 at Madinat Jumeirah, UAE.

At 58th independence, post-colonial Nigerian art tests strength with 'The Contemporaries II'

'Disillusioned Edition-2 of 4 by Kenny Adewuyi (bronze, 15 x 21 x 35 cm, 2011).

In the mood of Nigeria's 58th independence anniversary, the art integrity of the country is being viewed through the works of three artists. Significantly, in Lagos, the city of Nigeria's independence in 1960, the artists' works also represent current dynamics of the country's post-colonial visual arts expression.

For 9th LagosPhoto Festival, photographers reflect on 'Time Has Gone'

 By Eniola Daniel

Artist, Amanda Iheme; Designer, Nifemi Marcus-Bello; Assistant Director, African Artists’ Foundation, Charlotte Langhorst; Curator, Wunika Mukan; U.S. Consular General, Lagos, Russel Brooks, and Director Alliance Française Lagos, Charles Courdent in Lagos to announce the 9th edition edition of Lagos Photo Festival. Photo: Eniola Daniel

When photographers converge for the ninth edition of Lagos Photo Festival holding at the Federal Printing Press Building, Lagos on October 27, photographers from across the world will show how ‘Time Has Gone’.

About 500 exhibitors are expected to participate at the event with four female curators from three countries.

The festival will feature, workshops, artist presentations, discussions, screening and large scale outdoor installations in congested public spaces in Lagos.

Lagos Photo Festival aims at providing a platform for development of contemporary photography in Africa through mentorships and cross-cultural collaborations with local and international artists.

Documentary photography through Taylor's lens of Pushing Boundaries

During the opening of Pushing the Boundaries, at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

Walking into a   photography exhibition by Segun Taylor, unprepared with information about the contents, creates suspense, which is perhaps unintended by the photographer. Titled Pushing the Boundaries and on display at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, it takes quite a walk and seeing as many as ten or more pieces before realising the fact that the works on display are that of a contemporary photographer.

When Legends Die in visual narratives of Nigerian-American Odutola

Toyin Ojih Odutola’s drawing 'What Her Daughter Sees' (2018), from her exhibition When Legends Die.

 By Chinyere Elizabeth Okoroafor

At Jack Shainman Gallery, Manhattan, U.S, Nigerian-born American artist Toyin Ojih Odutola’s painting 'What Her Daughter Sees' (2018), under the exhibition titled When Legends Die, is one of the most eye-catching of her works, according to New York Times.

Return of 'Illumination' artists brightens Lagos art space

'Stimulus II', (oil on canvas), by Barry Nzennanya.

In two editions, a group gathering of artists initiated by Jonathan Ikpoza is   gradually becoming a ventilator for young artists. Debuted last year as art exhibition titled Illumination, the gathering returns, again, with ten artists whose works are spread across painting and sculpture.  

Ikpoza, Steve Ekpenisi, Kpodoh Michael, Agemo Francis Sewanu, Omon Sophia Igbinovia, Ojemekele Ighodalo, Nzennaya Barry Ikechukwu, Soile Olayinka, Raymond Right and Usman Semiu Alvin are the artists of Illuumination-2, showing from Saturday, September 29 - October 8, 2018, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. Ekpenisi, Ikpoza and Kpodoh were among the ten artists of the maiden edition.


Ikpoza brings into the group, among other pieces a mixed media of oil, newspaper and charcoal on canvas titled 'Pure Soul-4'.

Shonibare In Artist Talk, shows at Art X Lagos 2018.

Yinka Shonibare MBE.

Two years after his formal home visit, Nigerian-British artist, Yinka Shonibare MBE, returns to Lagos, his city of birth. Courtesy of ART X Lagos, Shonibare will feature in the third edition of the fair, holding on November 2-4, 2018 at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

From four, Anatsui's awards for LIMCAF winners increase to six artists

Prof El Anatsui

After sponsoring four winners of Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), last year, Prof El Anatsui has increased beneficiary artists to six for the 2018 edition.

Okwui Enwezor as co-convener for Symposium at Sharjah's new Africa Hall

Africa Hall, Sharjah, 2018.  PIC : courtesy of The Africa Institute.

A former director at Haus der Kunst and Nigerian-born art historian, Okwui Enwezor returns to the international art space after his strained exit at the German museum. Enwezor has been announced as co-convener of 'The Symposium 5-plus-1: Rethinking Abstraction', a part of the reopening activities of Africa Hall, Sharjah , UAE.

Creating 'Wooden Cloth' art from expressionism of Okonkwo, Morakinyo

Interraction (120 cm x 137 cm, collage on canvas, 2018), by Seye Morakinyo.

A joint visual expression on art that is woven in non-regular medium gets attention in Lagos when Chukz Okonkwo and Seye  Morakinyo show their works made from wood dust and fabrics.  In fact, the artists' new body of work will add to the city's expanding space of fresh art in mixed media.     

Art Dubai announces Cameroonian Élise Atangana as curator

From left to right: Elise Atangana, Fernanda Brenner and Munira Al Sayegh.

Over two months after a new section 'Bawwaba' was announced into Art Dubai galleries space,  French-Cameroonian Élise Atangana has been picked as its curator.


According to a press statement received from Art Dubai, Atangana
will curate the inaugural edition of 'Bawwaba'  (gateway in Arabic). The section will exhibit works by individual artists from, based in, or focused on the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Central and South Asia.

In paintings, Ijoyemi's 'Jag Heter Tokunbo' capture Swedish trauma

By Chinyere Elizabeth Okoroafor  

The Scaffolding' by Joseph Ijoyemi

Inspired by his traumatic experiences while growing up in Sweden, Joseph Ijoyemi's paintings track the artist's journey from racial abuse to point of acceptance.

LIMCAF 2018 makes Ugiomoh jury chair

Prof Frank Ugiomoh, Chair, LIMCAF 2018.

A jury chaired by Prof  Frank Ugiomoh has been   announced for Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) 2018. Held yearly, the current edition of LIMCAF, which has Twilight as its theme, traditionally, include zonal selections from across Nigeria.

With Chike Obeagu as the curator for 2018 edition, other members of the jury, according to a statement by the Organising Committee,
include Ayo Aina, Blaide Gundu Gbaden, Ngozi Omeje-Ezema, Odun Orimolade, Fide Udenta and Nicolas Michelland.

Dr Ayo Adewunmi, Art Director at LIMCAF, explained that "in view of the growing profile of the Festival and the continued impressive interest by young artists from all over Nigeria, the Committee has gone to great lengths, as always, to appoint a jury made up of highly respected academics and reputable studio practitioners".

Strengthening collage art with painterly 'Fabrication' of Anyanwu

'Eko'. (fabric collage on canvas,  6ft x 5 ft, 2018), by Uzoma Anyanwu.

As much as the landscape of non-traditional materials in mixed media expression has widened, very few artists in that fad have  convincing stories to tell. Most commonly used, perhaps to nauseating taste, is textile materials, either on canvas or in sculptural expressions.

Omeje's Connecting Deep, celebrating with CCA at 10

Connecting Deep (terracotta and plastic, 2017/18).

From September 8 - November 9, 2018, artist, Ngozi Omeje joins Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos in 10th year anniversary celebration. CCA announced the presentation of what it described as the artist's  ambitious new installation work.

For third 'ART X Lagos', 18 galleries, 50 artists converge

A painting by Joy Labinjo.

In its third edition, Art X Lagos is showing artists and galleries from within as well as outside Africa.

Hiding in future with Ezenwa Maja-Pearce

A mixed media by Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce

Yesterday, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce's solo art exhibition titled 'Beyond 2018' opened at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, showing for six days.

An artist with close to three decades of studio practice, Ezenwa Maja-Pearce is among few active female artists in Nigeria whose works have taken a deserved spot in the country's contemporary art space. In fact, her last major solo show was held at Nike Gallery in 2012 and enhanced early this year with another one at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, which had small collections in display.

Edozie's 'Conjectures' as rescue from 21st Century slavery

A painting titled 'Sojourner-I' (mixed media, 244 x 151 cm. 2018), by George Edozie.

Appeasement to the souls of Africans sold into slavery, particularly, during the transatlantic slave trade, may be a spiritual solution to recurring development challenges of the continent, so suggests, artist, George Edozie's paintings and sculptures.  

Artists' guild celebrates 10th anniversary, commends Ambode

Sam Ebohon, President, Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA).

In its 10th anniversary celebration, Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA), has announced events that run through the last quarter of the year. The guild also revisited some of the controversial public space art in Lagos State and and commended the governor, despite its observation on quality of the works.

Art Writing Master Class' in Lagos calls for applications

Prof Chika Okeke-Agulu.

The Sole Adventurer (TSA) Art Writing Master Class with Professor Chika Okeke-Agulu (in Lagos) announces its Call for Entries.

'Ten years of robust art auction market deserves stronger ethics, values'

Bolanle Austen-Peters, partner at TKMG Auction house; Sandra Mbanefo Obiago of SMO Contemporary; and Sinmidele Adesanya, co-partner during TKMG Auction preview in Lagos...recently

Despite exposing huge potentials in art of African descents, ten years of Nigeria's secondary market still has quite some loose ends to connect.

In May 2008, the unprecedented happened when a set of panel titled 'Greater Nigeria' by Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya recorded highest wolf of N9.2 million Naira, hammer price, at Arthouse's maiden art auction. The night's sales, held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos recorded a total of less than N100m naira. 

For Alexis Lagos Art Residency, Mentorship Lifted Six Artists

Experimental 'Linear' painting technique by Dr John Oyedemi during the Alexis Residency...recently in Lagos.

As a resource platform, Art residency took broad initiative with six artists, in Victoria Island, Lagos. John Oyedemi, Samuel Tete-Kancharn, Oyelusi Olasunkanmi, Olorunyemi Kolapo, Sunday Isaac Effiiong and Oluwole Omofemi are the fresh artists in residence from Alexis Galleries, a space within Victoria Island, the growing art hub of West Africa.

Against doubts, underdogs expand new Museum of Contemporary Art In Lagos

Inside the newly opened Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Lagos.

Museum of Contemporary Art, which usually comes with MOCA sobriquet has become global brand in visual arts management parlance. The MOCA brand has been domesticated in some big cities around the world.

Escaping from banking, AinaScott celebrates 'Persevered' woman

'Bountiful Homecoming' (Acrylic on Canvas, 24 x 40 inches), by Ronke AinaScott.

With first solo art exhibition after escaping from 11-year-confinement in the brand studio of banking, Ronke AinaScott steps into her woman's world, full of eulogies and superlatives.

'Tales From Within' of young, bold artists

'Tita Riro' ( Pen on Canvas, 5 x 3 ), by David Olatoye.

ON the walls of the National Museum Gallery, Onikan, Lagos, the visual expressions in paintings and mixed media are no doubt rich enough to attract art appreciation of enthusiasts. But the works of the seven young exhibiting artists, which opened over a week ago, require more than the individual brilliance expressed onthe walls.

'Faces & Phases'...Six years of expanding in themeless format

'Agbaagba Meta', metal sculpture by Olusola Kukoyi.

Founded by Adekusibe Odunfa with mission to generate a pool for artists in group exhibitions, Faces & Phases opens its sixth edition on Saturday August 11, 2018, at Terra Kulrure, Victoria Island, Lagos, and features 10 artists across medium. Odunfa, Kukoyi Olusola, Dudu Emmanuel, Jonathan Ikpoza, Ifeoluwa Alade, Taiwo Owoyemi, Ismail Lawal, Steve Ekpenisi, Titus Osikoya and Elizabeth  Ekpetorson are the artists of Faces & Phases-6.

Artists visit VP Osinbajo, demand Endowment for Art, National Gallery building

Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (right), receiving honour, Grand Patron, SNA, from Oliver Enwonwu, President of the association at Aso Rock, Abuja...recently. Pic c/o SNA.

Again, pending demands of the culture sector, particularly, National Endowment for The Arts was brought to the attention of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo during the visit of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) executive members, few days ago. Led by its president, Oliver Enwonwu, SNA also demanded that the government heed the call of artists for a befitting National Gallery of Art.