ART X LAGOS: ARTISTS I'LL BE PAYING ATTENTION TO

Hey guys, Eme here!

So. Anyone and everyone in the Lagos art scene would have probably heard that ART X, the art fair, took place in Lagos over the past few days. 

ART X has been a thing for the past 3 years now and usually when its on, we're not in Lagos. This was my first time attending and naturally I wasn't too sure what to expect. When I walked in, I was kind of overwhelmed. There were SO many people. They really managed to pull in a stellar crowd! There was, as expected a stunning collection of art on display and I have, after much deliberation managed to select 6 artists I particularly admired to share with you all. 

Before I get into it, I do have to say I regret not getting tickets for ART X live. It looked spectacular and the only thing better than getting to see the whole show on Instagram would be i guess, actually being there in person.

Okay, back to the list!

1. SOJI ADESINA

 'Kudi in the Garden'

Soji Adesina is a Lagos born multi-disciplinary and multi media artist whose works i've seen pop up quite a number of times this year. When I saw this piece at the fair, I was drawn to this woman with the most gorgeous black skin. She literally has her head in the clouds. She's in a happy place, just relaxin' and having a good old cup of tea. It was quite refreshing to see her represented in this way, especially considering these days black women seem to have the world on their shoulders.

2. TADESSE MESFIN

'Pillars of Life: Strength'

Tadesse Mesfin is an Ethiopian born painter whose works are heavily influenced by Ethiopian culture and Egyptian sculpture. I like the way he represents the women almost as though they are traditional columns. Hence the suitable play on words in the title; 'Pillars of Life'. Mesfin represents his appreciation of these market women. I also find it interesting how he represents the market in this aura of grace and calm, as opposed to the rowdiness you would typically see in the representation of a market.

3. MICHAEL MUSYOKA

'Time and Other Constructs'

Musyoka's work houses elements of Cubism and Surrealism in its style. His work generally aims to address the legal, moral, and religious  constraints placed on members of society and how these affect their capacity to act. This particular piece, 'Time and other constructs' spoke to me as a means of shining light on the ways in which society places various limitations on its member through social constructs. Communities are becoming more and more controlled to the point that our ideas are unacceptable if they fail to fit a certain mould. Musyoka's work questions this and perhaps the rest of us should start questioning too.

4. CHIKE OBEAGU

'Isi Ewu na Nkwobi'

I also loved this Obeagu piece! His use of collage takes me back to my art A-level days when I referenced a lot of Takahiro Kimura  in my sketchbooks. I’m not sure as to whether or not there was any influence there, but Obeagu’s work was definitely very nostalgic for me.

Takahiro Kimura

5. KARO AKPOKIERE, G. RIZO & DESMOND OKEKE

I absolutely loved 'The Lagos Drawings' series featuring Kapo Akpokiere’s drawings, in collaboration with digital technologist, Desmond Okeke and musician, G.Rico. Through the use of conductive paint, Okeke was able to integrate sounds created by musician, G.Rico into the pieces. Whenever the viewer would go up and touch the painting, the piece would emit sounds engineered by G. Rico.  

The drawings themselves captured various aspects of contemporary life in Lagos. From street hawkers, to the abundance of generators and pollution. When coupled with the touch activated sounds, it really plunged the spectator into an all encompassing sensory experience of Lagos!  It is probably one of the most innovative pieces I've seen this year and I would love to see more technology being incorporated in art.