A NEW ART FAIR FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

Yinka Olatunbosun
TP-Collective’s first edition of ART X Lagos, a new art fair designed to widen Nigeria’s connection to the contemporary art scene across Africa and internationally is here. ART X Lagos has been created to consolidate the role of the visual arts as an important component of the creative industry and contribute to the increased visibility of contemporary artists from Africa, creating a vibrant art market and positioning Lagos as an emergent cultural capital on the continent.

The fair will feature select art galleries from Nigeria, across Africa and the Diaspora, showcasing the most innovative contemporary art by over 45 established and emerging artists. Exhibitors such as Art House – The Space (Nigeria), Bloom Art (Nigeria), SMO Contemporary (Nigeria), Goodman Gallery (South Africa) and Stevenson Gallery (South Africa) are expected at the fair which will include interactive projects and presentations that entertain a broader audience, including live areas for performance artists, illustrators and graffiti artists.

The 3-day art fair will take place at The Civic Centre, a state of the art conference and banquet centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, from Friday November 4 to Sunday November 6.

ART X Lagos Founder, and Director of TP-Collective, Tokini Peterside, states: “I am encouraged by the interest and support we have received so far from all quarters. This affirms our decision to go ahead with such an ambitious project. We are very happy to be working with the acclaimed international curator, Bisi Silva, who is working closely with the galleries as well as developing a dynamic programme of exhibitions, commissions and talks.”

In the same vein, the Artistic Director, ART X, Bisi Silva, promised that the fair will bring visibility to contemporary arts.
“During Art X Lagos visitors will be presented with a dynamic programme of curated projects, live events, as well as a vibrant talks programme. Our goal is for Art X Lagos to deliver an exceptional, uniquely designed experience spread across all three floors of the Civic Centre,” he said.