The art market often creates a barrier for enthusiasts who admire renowned artists but find their works financially out of reach. To cultivate a thriving African art scene, inclusivity and representation are paramount. Fresco Gallery addresses these challenges by offering high-quality, authentic art without compromising affordability.
Inspired by the printmaking legacies of Nigerian masters like Sir Bruce Onabrakpeya and Professor Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, Fresco Gallery primarily operates online with physical exhibitions in Lagos. Founded by Ima Ekpo, the gallery emphasizes limited-edition prints as a core component of an artist’s practice.
As West Africa’s first print gallery, Fresco showcases emerging and established African artists. Since its inception in 2022, the gallery has collaborated with artists from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and the African diaspora.
“Following the African art boom in 2020/2021, African artists gained international success driving their artwork prices up, so I wanted more people to be able to access art from the artists they’ve grown to love,” says Ima Ekpo.
Committed to artist collaboration and collector accessibility, the gallery aims to nurture a new generation of art collectors by promoting prints and editions while elevating printmaking within contemporary African art. According to a 2023 Artsy Art Collector Insight report, prints and multiples are the third most collected art medium after paintings and sculptures.
Ima Ekpo continues, “Limited edition prints allow young collectors to buy into African artists they love, and these artists get to experience more people connecting to their work. In addition to the economic benefit they receive from print sales which can be quite significant. It’s important to mention that print platforms and online marketplaces have existed in Nigeria prior to us. However, Fresco is operating as a gallery with physical exhibitions, curatorial focus, artist support, and scheduled programming–online and in-person. We are the first to do this.”
Fresco’s “Young Contemporary Printmakers” exhibition during the 2023 Lagos Art Week highlighted the work of Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, Tosin Oyeniyi, Nneka Chima, Wanger Ayu, and Nkem Okwechime. The exhibition showcased a variety of printmaking techniques, demonstrating the medium’s versatility for both new and seasoned collectors.
The gallery’s August 2024 exhibition, “Anchors,” features monoprints by Chigozie Obi, Daëna LaDeese, Mobolaji Ogunrosoye, Myles Igwebuike, and Falida Nkomo. The exhibition explores the concept of identity and self-healing.
Ima Ekpo says about Anchors exhibition:
“With ‘Anchors,’ we really want people to experience the art prints on two levels. On one level, you experience the power of narrative and storytelling in art as a way to connect with people and bring them in. On another level, inviting them to get curious about the mediums.”
“Anchors” is currently on view from Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Miliki, 7B Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.
