ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading art fair, returns with a bold vision for its ninth edition, running from October 31 to November 3, 2024.
With the theme “Promised Lands,” this year’s fair dares to reimagine African and diaspora futures, blending ambition, hope, and freedom into a stunning exploration of what’s next for the continent.
Founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig describes “Promised Lands” as a collective reflection on Africa’s evolving journey:
“We are at a crossroads—looking at where we are and dreaming about where we want to be. ART X Lagos remains committed to amplifying African voices and engaging in conversations that shape our present and future.”
This year’s edition will feature a dynamic blend of exhibitions, live performances, special projects, and insightful panel discussions. With ten curated galleries from Lagos, Accra, Harare, and London, the fair brings together a powerful lineup of artists from across the continent and its diaspora. Among the notable galleries are Afriart (Uganda), Alexis (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), and Tiwani Contemporary (UK).
A highlight of the fair will be Restless Cities: From Lagos to the World, a solo exhibition by acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu. Through his lens, Dosunmu captures the pulsing energy of Nigerian urban life, offering a compelling look at the interconnectedness that defines the nation’s cities.
Also in focus is the exhibition Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers, curated by Missla Libsekal and Fikayo Adebajo. This show shines a spotlight on African trailblazers in science, art, and activism, with figures like Jonathan Adagogo Green and Nana Asma’u celebrated for their pioneering work in reshaping the continent’s narrative.
In a more interactive vein, The Speakers’ Corner: The Crossroads, curated by Papa Omotayo, invites attendees to participate in a thought-provoking dialogue on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. This installation encourages visitors to add their voices to a collective tapestry, as well as reflecting the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of a nation at a pivotal moment.
The ever-popular ART X Live! will once again deliver an eclectic fusion of Nigeria’s traditional sounds with contemporary music, while ART X Cinema, curated by Tega Okiti, showcases 13 groundbreaking films. These works delve into the complex realities of African and African-descended peoples, using cinema as a tool to challenge perceptions, invent new mythologies, and also map the trajectory toward our “promised lands.”
This year’s fair will unfold both in-person at The Federal Palace, Lagos, and virtually on Artsy.net, ensuring global audiences can experience the magic of African art. Since its inception in 2016, ART X Lagos has not only redefined the African art scene but has also built a vital bridge between local artists and the world, challenging and expanding perceptions of African art on the global stage.
