ICONIC LAGOS, a new art project, will hold its first exhibition at Didi Museum from Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 September 2022.
Organised by Eyes of a Lagos Boy, a statement says the multi-media exhibition is dedicated to the largest city in Africa, the economic and cultural heart of Nigeria.
“ICONIC LAGOS is about celebrating everyday life in Lagos, honouring its inhabitants and exploring what makes the city unique,” says the statement announcing the event.
AlongeIt goes on the explain that Eyes of a Lagos Boy documents history from the African perspective, working towards a balanced representation.
“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 a luxury, it is a necessity,” says Bolaji Alonge aka Eyes of a Lagos Boy.
The project 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.
A call for submissions was published in July and about 400 entries were received 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, while all others will be displayed in a digital format.
“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,” Alonge adds.
The exhibition runs every day from 10 am to 6 pm and entry is free of charge with the events below:
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 but those who intend to attend must register here.
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.
The artists invited to participate in ICONIC LAGOS as a result of the call for submissions 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
Oluwayemisi Onadipe
Samuel Okechukwu
Tosan Dundun-Tblack
Check out the contributions here https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/iconiclagos/
