Art X to Showcase Africa’s Leading Art Masters

Yinka Olatunbosun

For this second edition of the annual international art fair, Art X, art enthusiasts and collectors will converge on the Civic Centre, Victoria Island from November 3 till 5. The three-day event, which is fast becoming a massive art tradition in Lagos features some of the most sought-after artists as well as the emerging artists whose pieces naturally command attention. Galleries will take up spaces at the venue, which is open to international participants too.

Last year at the debut of the mega show, Art X saw 65 artists drawn from 10 countries in Africa. These artists paraded works ranging from painting to sculpture as well as illustrations and photography. No fewer than 5000 visitors attended the last edition of the fair which also drew some international observers.

Hinging on this success story of its first edition, Art X, created to showcase the best and most innovative contemporary art from the African continent and the diaspora will host prestigious galleries such as Art House, The Space, SMO Contemporary, Stevenson Gallery (South Africa), Gallery 1957 (Ghana) and Tafeta (United Kingdom), amongst others.

If you are wondering how these galleries were selected for the fair, the answer is that a selection committee usually led by the advisory board members drawn from Nigeria’s notable art collectors and leading commercial lawyers have ensured that the best pieces are featured.

This edition will also feature curated projects and talks programme, curated by Missla Libsekal, an independent cultural producer and the founder of “Another Africa”. In addition, there will be live paintings and music performances.

Tokini Peterside, Founder, Art X and director of TP Collective expressed her gratitude for the support and sponsorship received last year and hopes that this edition sustains the same tempo of a spirited art tradition.

“Our debut art fair in 2016 was an exciting and exhilarating experience that validated our decision to create this vital platform for the growth and increased visibility of African artists and galleries,” she said.

“In just four months’ time, we will be opening the doors to the Art X Lagos Art fair and we look forward once again to welcoming a vast and varied local and international audience as we seek to reinforce Lagos’ position as an emergent cultural capital in the continent.”