The Amaranthine Exhibition: Ryan Alabi’s Visionary Fashion Photography

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Lagos-based portrait and fashion photographer, Ryan Alabi’s Amaranthine Exhibition has been identified as a key driver of socio-economic change with the potential to open up the minds of people to the transformational power of fashion.

Alabi emphasized that fashion is far more profound, powerful, and transformative than commonly perceived. “It’s not just about trends or aesthetics, it’s a language, a statement, and a force that shapes identities and perceptions,” he said.

He noted that Amaranthine, his latest project, is a visual journey into the lives of everyday Lagosians- individuals who once took pride in their appearance, meticulously curating their looks, and reveling in the way they were perceived by the world. However, the unpredictability of life has stripped many of them of the resources, time, or even confidence to embrace fashion as they once did.

“This exhibition challenges perceptions of the fashion-conscious, who often overlook individuals that don’t ‘look the part’ and remain unseen until they are needed,” Alabi explained. “It also offers selected subjects a renewed sense of self-worth, reminding them that they are, in fact, invaluable. It’s a journey of rediscovery for the subjects themselves.”

Through Amaranthine, Alabi aims to reignite the inner spark in his subjects to help them see themselves as the radiant, invaluable gems they truly are.

“In this context, fashion becomes more than just clothing; it’s a tool for empowerment, a catalyst for self-worth, and a vehicle for socio-economic transformation,” he said. “Through this project, we offer some of these individuals the chance to reclaim their reflection to remember that their worth isn’t tied to their circumstances, but to the essence of who they are.”

At its core, Amaranthine is a testament to the enduring power of fashion not as a fleeting trend, but as a timeless force capable of changing lives, reshaping perceptions, and restoring dignity.

Ryan Alabi is a Lagos-based portrait and fashion photographer whose work blends simplicity with depth, capturing the essence of his subjects in subtle yet striking ways. A self-taught photographer, Ryan began his journey in 2017, developing a distinctive approach to portraiture and fashion imagery.

His work has been featured in notable publications such as Vanity Fair, Getty Images, CNN Africa Voices and GQ South Africa. In 2024, he was recognized as one of Lagos’ Top 50 Photographers. Through his lens, Ryan seeks to tell stories that go beyond aesthetics, exploring themes of identity, perception, and self-expression.

Amaranthine marks his first solo exhibition a visual exploration of fashion as a tool for rediscovery and empowerment.