The inaugural exhibition, “Together Design,” by Lagos x Paris in collaboration with Art & Exception and Alliance Française de Lagos’ illuminated the artistic prowess of five skilled designers, dedicated to reshaping communal spaces through innovative design deeply rooted in Nigerian culture.
Designers Paul Yakubu, Temitope Elshabazz, Moyo Ogunseinde, Olorunfemi Adewuyi, and Léa Bigot engaged closely with local artisans, seamlessly blending textures, colours, furniture, and also objects to create inviting and memorable communal spaces.
This group exhibition, rooted within the Nigerian context, places “togetherness” at its creative core. The showcased design pieces emerged from collaborative efforts, also forging meaningful connections between the designers and artisans. By integrating artisans into their creative process, these designers actively contribute to preserving cultural heritage and unique craftsmanship techniques.
For the scenography of the curated selection, each designer’s vision contributed to immersive spaces that combined various textures, colours, as well as shapes. The result is a compelling invitation for visitors to settle in, engage, and share in a collective experience.
Moyo Ogunseinde’s space, deeply influenced by Yoruba culture, invites exploration beyond the functionality of furniture and decorative objects. Similarly, each designer, through their uniquely curated spaces, encourages visitors to connect, interact, and share memorable moments, such as under Paul Yakubu’s umbrella designed to enhance traditional market engagement.
The aim is to foster a collective effort in utilizing local materials and creating within a Nigerian context. This exhibition extends an invitation to embrace moments of togetherness, whether through the creation of functional pieces or the strengthening of connections at a human level.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting design spaces meticulously crafted by these talented artists.