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ART X Lagos

ART X Lagos is West Africa’s first international art fair designed to showcase the best and most innovative contemporary art from the African continent.

Art, being a strong component of the cultural heritage of Africa, the event helps promote this heritage and boldly reinforced Nigeria and Africa’s growing credentials on the global contemporary art scene.

The debut edition of ART X Lagos which was launched in 2016 hosted over 5,000 visitors who came to see the works of over 65 artists drawn from 10 countries around Africa.

Speaking to Vanguard prior to the event, the founder of ART X Lagos, Tokini Peterside said one of their goals is to democratize the art world, by welcoming thousands of guests from all sections of society to fair.

Tokini Peterside, Founder and Director of ART X LAGOS

And so this year’s edition, building upon its success in 2016 hosted over 9,000 visitors at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.The fair which opened on November 3rd experienced a huge turn out of guest including elites, art aficionados, students and even children from Africa and the rest of the world.

Over 60 artists representing 15 countries were featured

His Highness, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano, led a field of dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister for Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in unveiling the 3-day art fair.

Victor Etuokwu, Femi Lijadu, Tokini Peterside, The Emir Of Kano, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Atedo Peterside, Mr Mobolaji Balogun

The main exhibition floor was home to 14 exhibiting galleries including Art House – The Space (Nigeria), Bloom Art (Nigeria), Fondation Donwahi (Ivory Coast), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Galerie Atiss (Senegal), Gallery MAM (Cameroon), Nubuke Foundation (Ghana), Retro Africa (Nigeria).

Others include Signature Beyond (Nigeria), SMO Contemporary (Nigeria), Stevenson Gallery (South Africa), TAFETA (United Kingdom), and Tiwani Contemporary (United Kingdom).

The 65 artists that were featured include the Nigerian-born, British-based, globally renowned artist and sculptor Yinka Shonibare MBE; Zanele Muholi (South Africa); Jeremiah Quarshie (Ghana); Modupeola Fadugba (Nigeria); Nandipha Mntambo (Swaziland); Virginia Chihota (Zimbabwe); and Boris Nzebo (Cameroon).

Other include Babajide Olatunji (Nigeria); Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum (Botswana); Amadou Sanogo (Mali) and Portia Zvavahera (Zimbabwe) amongst others.

In addition to them, four independent artists –  Polly Alakija, Rom Isichei, Lakin Ogunbanwo and Oluseye presented a selection of their works.

The rave reviews which followed the opening of the fair is a testament to the richness of the African art and the great reception it enjoys.

The African art scene is thriving and it is our hope that more and more players will join this trend in the coming years.

Afrotrips congratulate Tokini Peterside and the team for a super successful fair and we hope next year will be even better.

photo credit : http://artxlagos.com

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