Yinka Shonibare, 18 galleries for ART X Lagos

THE 2018 edition of ART X Lagos happening at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos from November 2 to 4 will feature 18 galleries from countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, the United Kingdom and Spain, organisers have announced.

Tokini Peterside, founder and director of the art fair, disclosed that the 18 exhibiting galleries were chosen by a selection committee led by Advisory Board members, N’Goné Fall, the renowned Senegalese curator, art critic and cultural consultant, and Femi Lijadu, one of Nigeria’s most respected art collectors and leading commercial lawyers.

Speaking at a news conference, Peterside said, “After the success of ART X Lagos 2017 we are delighted to return for a third edition. We are validated in our decision to develop this vital platform for the growth and increased visibility of African artists and galleries. This would have been impossible without the phenomenal support of the galleries, sponsors and partners, who took a huge leap of faith and committed to supporting us from ground zero, for which we are most grateful. In six weeks, we will open the doors to ART X Lagos 2018. We look forward to welcoming a vast and varied, local and international audience as we seek to reinforce Lagos’ position as a new cultural capital on our continent.”

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She disclosed that internationally renowned artist, Yinka Shonibare, MBE, is the keynote artist of the 2018 edition and would be celebrated with an exhibition exploring his career highlights.

Speaking further on activities at the art fair launched in 2016, Peterside said this year’s ART X Talks curated by Missla Libsekal, will feature a series of exciting and engaging talks from key stakeholders in Africa’s art economy. Shonibare will give the keynote talk.

The interactive projects curated by A Whitespace Creative Agency will feature experiential platforms that explore ideas influenced by the essence of Lagos. “Olalekan Jeyifous and Wale Lawal have created a virtual reality installation, Mad Horse City, which explores a futuristic imagination of Lagos in the year 2115. Meanwhile ‘Lagos Drawings’ is an interactive installation, by Karo Akpokiere which combines digital technology, audible sounds and visual illustrations inspired by Lagos Textures,” she said.

Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitolawho emerged the winner of the ART X Prize with Access in June after a rigorous selection process, will have a solo presentation of her project, ‘Scraps from Mama’s Floor’ at this year’s fair.

ART X Live!, the live art and music performance curated by Lanre Masha, with Odunsi the Engine as creative director will see performances by Teni the Entertainer, Ghanaian musician Amaarae, and BOJ, accompanied by some of Lagos’ finest emerging visual and graphic artists.