ART X Lagos, West Africa’s renowned international art fair, is back for its ninth edition, running from October 31st to November 3rd, 2024. Since its debut in 2016, the fair has brought together artists from over 70 countries, cementing itself as the go-to hub for African and diaspora creativity. This year’s theme, “Promised Lands,” delves into real and imagined realms that inspire hope and visions of freedom, prompting reflections on Africa’s path forward amid socio-political changes.
Founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s lineup reflects the diverse voices of Africa and the diaspora. ‘Promised Lands’ resonates deeply with our collective journey, showcasing where we are and envisioning where we aspire to be. ART X Lagos has become a platform for the African art movement and a space for crucial conversations on the continent’s evolving cultural and political landscape.”
Highlights of ART X Lagos 2024
The fair will feature curated galleries, thought-provoking exhibitions, dynamic live performances, and immersive discussions:
• Curated Galleries: With 10 galleries from cities such as Lagos, Accra, Harare, and London, ART X Lagos will present works by emerging and established artists. Participating galleries include Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), and Nigeria’s Nike Art Gallery, offering a rich display of African talent.
• Speakers’ Corner: The Crossroads: Curated by Papa Omotayo and collaborators, this participatory experience encourages attendees to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges, creating a collective tapestry of shared hopes.
• Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers: Celebrating African trailblazers like Jonathan Adagogo Green and Nana Asma’u, this exhibit, curated by Missla Libsekal and Fikayo Adebajo, honors icons who reshaped African history in science, art, and activism.
• Restless Cities: From Lagos to the World: Acclaimed photographer Andrew Dosunmu presents his first solo exhibition in Africa, exploring Nigerian cities as vital, pulsating hubs.
• ART X Live! and ART X Cinema: ART X Live! merges traditional and modern African sounds, while ART X Cinema showcases films by African and diaspora filmmakers, capturing the continent’s evolving narrative.
• Access ART XPrize: This year’s prize winners, Julius Agbaje and Shabu Mwangi, will present solo exhibitions on the theme “What May Come,” alongside a retrospective on previous winners.
ART X Lagos has become a cultural mainstay, bringing African art to global audiences and nurturing a new generation of creatives. This year’s event, hosted at The Federal Palace in Lagos, promises to offer an immersive celebration of African art and identity. The public days are November 2nd and 3rd, with online engagement available via Artsy.net.
