The 2019 edition of ArtXLagos is set to hold in Lagos from November 1-3 2019.
Over the past three years, ArtXLagos has successfully established itself as West Africa’s premier art fair, cementing its reputation as a center of culture for the entire region.
Since its founding by Tokoni Peterside in 2016, the art fair has attracted exhibitors, art buyers and members of the West African art scene and beyond—providing a platform for both emerging and established artists and playing a notable role in the global art ecosystem.
Artistic Director of ArtXLagos, Tayo Ogunbiyi, recently granted an interview where he discussed the role the event plays in the West African art and culture scene and what to expect from this year’s edition of ArtXLagos.
On the distinct nature of Nigeria art, Tayo shared: “Nigeria is indeed very different from most places I’ve ever been to. And so too is the art scene here. I think it’s unique because I feel we have so many artists succeeding and living as visual artists and these artists come from very different backgrounds.”
“In this moment where I feel the international art sector is really championing works that reflect heritage, the artists here have so much to reference and so much to share.”
“And I feel the references they make are incredibly unique and can be very specific to their personal circumstances which are infinitely diverse.”
“For this reason, there is a lot of potential to cultivate really strong contemporary work from the artists working here and the work they choose to share”, he said.
On what experience to look forward to at the 2019 edition, he disclosed: “There are so many things that attendees can look forward to experiencing at this year’s fair.”
“From our increased numbers of exhibitors who are bringing some really exciting work from across the continent and from international locations to the work that will be shown this year that I believe will be arguably stronger than any collective group of work we’ve had at the fair in the past.”
“The performance we’ll be bringing in is also a really exciting addition to the fair as we’ll be bringing in performance art [to] the fair in a major way with three young exciting artists [Lady Donli, BUJU and WurlD] executing very different performances. “
“The Special Projects is also really exciting with new commission by Emeka Ogboh in addition to a project called “This Is Lagos” showcasing the work of three very gifted photographers.”
On the relationship between art and Lagos, he commented; “I think the experiences had in Lagos can be continually used in creative ways to populate contemporary art with fascinating content.”
“I also think that if and when more visual artwork is integrated into the fabric of Lagos, it can drastically shift the experiences that people have in the city; both those who reside here and those who visit”, he added.
The 2019 edition of ArtXLagos is relocating from The Civic Centre to the Federal Palace in Victoria Island in order to increase its venue capacity.
The fair begins on November 1st for the VIP preview and ends on November 3rd. In between, audiences will experience exciting performances from some of Lagos’ most talented and fast rising artists—Lady Donli, BUJU and WurlD.
By: The Arubayi Keme
