‘The artists all capture the idea of Lagos that we intend to showcase and we are proud to work with these amazing talents. Over the years, I have encouraged young Nigerians to take up the camera to express themselves. Opening up my platform to others is a natural next step’
TODAY through the 25th, a major celebration of the human and material character of Lagos will be on showcase at the Didi Museum, the decades-old but quiet art space located on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Titled ICONIC LAGOS, the multimedia exhibition will have on display the works of 23 artists in various mediums of expression, all capturing the essence of the city.
It is conceived and organised the multi-skilled artist, Bolaji Alonge aka ‘Eyes of a Lagos Boy’, who is also the curator-director of the unique exhibition.
“ICONIC LAGOS is about celebrating everyday life in Lagos, honouring its inhabitants, and exploring what makes the city unique… It is dedicated to the largest city in Africa, the economic and cultural heart of Nigeria,” adds Alonge, renowned for his photographic art and documentary works.
“Defining our own image is one way of taking charge of our future. ICONIC LAGOS presents an alternative narrative that will remain tattooed on the viewers’ retina.
“Celebrating the beauty around us in spite of everyday challenges and the current global instability is not luxury, it is a necessity,” said Alonge, who is also well-known for his fashionable label #EyesofaLagosBoy, which adorns T-shirts, bags, mugs, and other such sundry items.
ICONIC LAGOS consists of three elements: photography by Bolaji Alonge, mixed media images by Jason Ogbazi/Alonge, and artworks by other artists – expressing their own vision of Iconic Lagos.
Highlights of the show
THE exhibition runs every day from 10am to 6pm and entry is free of charge.
- Saturday 17 September, 1 – 7 Pm | Vip Opening
Performance By Wannixhandi (4pm) & Jeanshiki Couture
An iconic opening, birthday celebration, opportunity to meet the artists and experience the Eyes of a Lagos Boy vibe.
- Tuesday 20 September, 12noon – 4pm | Visual Storytelling Masterclass
A Masterclass on Visual Storytelling with the participation of seasoned photographers. Limited spaces, registration required. Participation is free of charge. Register here.
- Saturday 24 September, 11 Am | Kids Play | Art Workshop For Children (5-15 Yo)
A workshop for young artists and art lovers. Three hours of fun, learning about colors and composition. Limited spaces, registration required. Participation is free of charge. Register here
Curating the show:
A call for submissions published in July yielded about 400 entries that show the centre of excellence as a source of inspiration.
“A selection of 20 artworks by artists from US, India, South Africa, Belgium, Benin Republic, UK, Abuja, Osogbo and Lagos will be presented as part of the exhibition, all others will be displayed in a digital format,” explained the curator.
He adds “The artists all capture the idea of Lagos that we intend to showcase and we are proud to work with these amazing talents. Over the years, I have encouraged young Nigerians to take up the camera to express themselves. Opening up my platform to others is a natural next step.”
The featuring artists are: Adepegba David | Akande John | Akinsola Olamilekan | Ananou Jean-fidele |Awosola Michael Angello | Falore Ayokunle | Folami Razak | Gaspard Koutchika Genco Sanli | Holly Muse | Joydeep Bose | Kola Onifoto | Lanre Lawal | Motolani Bello Mpumelelo Buthelezi | OC George | Olaosun Oluwapelumi | Olaosun Pelumi | | Samuel Okechukwu | Tosan Dundun-Tblack
Their contributions can be gleaned at: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/iconiclagos/
Several shots by recently departed multi-talented movie director Biyi Bandele are also part of the exhibition as a tribute to his life. The Nigerian-British creative genius spent a lot of time in Lagos in recent years and documented Lagos Island daily on social media.
The Curator: Profile
BOLAJI Alonge is an artist, photographer and actor from Lagos, Nigeria with more than two decades of experience in documenting history. In May 2017, Bolaji presented his maiden “Eyes of a Lagos Boy” solo exhibition at Freedom Park in Lagos. His second solo exhibition “Urban Culture – Historical Continuity” was held at One Draw Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos in November 2018. In February 2019, Bolaji showcased his work at Baza Studio in New York. A third solo exhibition, “Black & White” was held at Quintessence, Lagos in July 2019.
He presented “Afrobeat: The Legacy” at Freedom Park in Lagos during Felabration 2019, dedicated to Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Fela Kuti‘s eldest son. Together with 7 other photographers, Bolaji showcased “Nigeria Trending” at the Lagos Fringe Festival in November 2020, covering the #EndSARS protest. In February 2021, he showed “Street Flowers of Lagos” at Temple Muse.
Greener Pastures, dedicated to riverine communities in Lagos, was first held at Didi Museum, Lagos to critical acclaim in September 2021, as well as part of the Lagos Fringe Festival and ICAB Biennale in November-December 2021. Greener Pastures was also presented at IREP 2022 documentary festival.
Jason Nnamdi Ogbazi is an accomplished artist and designer born in Nigeria, While in the UK for his higher education, he started working alongside top fashion photographers and designers. This experience set the tone for his further artistic development. He constantly strives to create sophisticated images and designs that embody class and originality.
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