Beyond Borders, Art X Lagos Maps the Promised Land

On its ninth edition, ART X Lagos solidifies its position as the premier platform for contemporary African art, culture, and creativity. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports 

That so much of the Lagos art scene’s recent activities have since learnt to orbit around the gravitational pull of Art X Lagos speaks volumes about its relevance. With its display of trendy galleries and champagne-soaked openings drawing in the art scene’s Who is Who and wannabes like moths to a flame, this art fair, which, founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, now stomps into its ninth edition, is unarguably a vibrant platform conceived to promote contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.

As a pivotal player in the West African art market since its inception, the fair, which is mainly sponsored by Access Bank, has become a honey pot of some sorts for local creatives, whose passions and pretensions are fuelled by the promise of discovery and fame.

Indeed, Art X Lagos proudly dons the diadem as West Africa’s leading international art fair and stands unrivalled like a monolith at the centre of the local art world, its influence sending ripples across the subregion’s art communities. Apparently, the players in this artistic cat-and-mouse game already know the score: whoever wants to be recognised as “someone” had to be seen at the event.

The art fair’s smouldering embers, once a fledgling spark, had burst into a roaring inferno, illuminating the subregion’s cultural horizon. El Anatsui, Ghanaian-born visual arts luminary and professor emeritus at the University of Nigeria, observes this transformation with a keen eye. From its beginning as an ambitious newbie to its evolution as a world-class sensation, the Lagos art scene’s most sought-after event seems to have arrived. Anatsui attributed this success not only to the organisers’ unyielding dedication but also to the whispered conversation about it in distant art salons, the knowing glances in Parisian cafés, and the nods of approval in Manhattan galleries. These quiet endorsements, borne on the winds of international art circles, have validated the fair’s stature.

Anatsui’s own celebrity status, similarly forged in the crucible of African modernism, has long since transcended borders. Now he detects the same alchemy at work with this annual art event. The 80-year-old, by the way, is in Lagos as one of 15 artists from the collective known as the Aka Circle of Exhibiting Artists, whose works are featured in the group exhibition Kindred Spirits: A Gathering of the Aka Circle of Artists, which had an exclusive private preview on Wednesday, October 30. Others include Tayo Adenaike, Chris Afuba, Chike Aniakor, Obiora Anidi, Ifedioramma Dike, Chike Ebebe, Chris Echeta, Nsikak Essien, Bona Ezeudu, Boniface Okafor, Chika Okeke-Agulu, Obiora Udechukwu, Samson Uchendu, and Tony Umunna.

Still, the exhibition, curated by Iheanyi Onwuegbucha and with a public opening the next day, is only one of several competing for attention during the Art X season. Today (Sunday, November 3) Professor Chika Okeke-Agulu (Robert Schirmer Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies and Director, Africa World Initiative, Princeton University) will, as a complement to the exhibition, deliver a public lecture titled “Community and Individual Talent: El Anatsui and the Aka Circle of Artists” at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos, beginning at 4 p.m.

The Lagos art community meanwhile purred with pleasure as ART X Lagos unfurled its ninth edition over the weekend. Recall that Thursday, October 31, beckoned collectors to its Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island venue, for an exclusive preview, while November 3 marked the grand finale.

Since its inception, this glitzy visual arts fiesta has celebrated artists from over 70 nations, thus cementing its status as the sub-region’s most significant art fair.

This year’s theme, “Promised Lands,” resonated deeply, conjuring visions of freedom and hope amidst Africa’s turbulent landscape. Days before its opening, Peterside-Schwebig, enthused: “We are thrilled to present an exceptional lineup of artists, exhibitions and galleries for our ninth edition, representing the diverse and dynamic voices emerging from all corners of Africa and the diaspora. ‘Promised Lands’ is a theme that resonates deeply with our collective journey—reflecting on where we are and envisioning where we aspire to be. It was crucial for us to create a platform that not only anchors the African art movement but also drives meaningful conversations about the social, political, and cultural landscapes of our continent. We remain dedicated to creating an absolutely cannot-miss experience for our artists, cultural partners, gallerists, collectors and visitors from Africa, and around the world.”

Against Nigeria’s backdrop of political and socio-economic turmoil, ART X Lagos stood as a beacon, fostering critical conversations and cross-cultural dialogue. Ten specially selected galleries—Afriart, Alexis, Galerie MAM, Gallery 1957, Affinity Art, Kanbi Projects, kó, Nike Art, ODA Art, and Tiwani Contemporary—formed a vibrant exhibition, highlighting emerging and established artists. From Lagos to Harare, Accra to London, these galleries converged, their artists weaving a narrative of resilience and innovation. 

ART X Lagos pulsated with vitality, featuring dynamic performances, thought-provoking exhibitions, and insightful discussions. Speakers’ Corner, a participatory experience, invited attendees to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges, weaving a collective narrative of shared voices and hopes.

Beyond visual arts, ART X Live! returned with a live music experience curated by Lanre Masha and Ayo Lawson, connecting Nigeria’s past, present, and future sounds. Traditional Fuji music merged with contemporary genres, showcasing multi-hyphenate African artists with creative direction from Niyi Okeowo and producer Odunsi (The Engine).

ART X Cinema screened 13 films by African and diaspora filmmakers. Access ART X Prize 2023 winners, Julius Agbaje and Shabu Mwangi, hosted solo exhibitions exploring “What May Come,” alongside a retrospective on previous winners, curated by Jumoke Sanwo.

In collaboration with Afreximbank, ART X Lagos also presented Art Across Borders: Where to Go, featuring six mid-career African and Caribbean artists exploring ancestral connections and future possibilities, aligning with the “Promised Lands” theme. Curated by Jumoke Sanwo, this exhibition delved into the African imagination.

As a premier platform for African art, culture, and creativity, ART X Lagos continues to redefine the African narrative, bridging local and international audiences. Peterside-Schwebig’s vision has indeed been a platform for an unforgettable experience, a promised land of artistic excellence and collaboration.