Distinguished guests and connoisseurs from Lagos’ buzzing arts ecosystem gathered at Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation for an evening celebrating international creativity and culture on Sunday 23 April.
The special moment was generously organised and facilitated by creative entrepreneur, cultural curator and founder of BLOOM Art, Ugoma Ebilah and offered visitors the opportunity to get an intimate glimpse into the practice of current G.A.S. residents Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Laeila Ajovi, Chiizii, and Tobi Onabolu.
Following an open address and presentations from the resident artists who, though currently convened in Lagos, are typically based across Benin, the US and the UK, guests were taken on tours of the impressive G.A.S. Lagos building. The structure set across four floors was designed by British-Ghanaian architect Elsie Owusu in collaboration with Nigerian architect Nihinlola Shonibare and includes a library, live/work units for the residents, a studio/events space, and courtyard where a jazz trio entertained the small crowd throughout the evening.
The dynamic studio spaces showcasing evolving sketches, collages and paintings by practitioners Laeila Adjovi and Chiizii proved to be a popular gathering point for conversation and networking and allowed the artists meet some of the most important professionals and tastemakers working and living in Lagos.
A Nigerian non-profit, the foundation is dedicated to facilitating international cultural exchange and developing creative and research practices through residencies and collaborations. It was established in 2019 by British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and an esteemed board of Directors.
Ugama Ebilah is a veritable multi-hyphenate. Trained in economics and business, she started her career as an oil and gas analyst before gaining further work experience in real estate and principal investments
Her first entrepreneurial foray was in hospitality which saw the setting up of the eclectic multi-function space, The Life House.
Her current venture is BLOOM Art, a portfolio gallery and private art salon set in the heart of Victoria Island.
