Art Month in Lagos has transformed Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital into a global hub for artists, galleries, and art enthusiasts. The eighth edition of ART X, the largest art fair in West Africa, has attracted thousands of visitors, making it the centerpiece of Lagos’ vibrant art month. In recent years, Lagos has emerged as a rising center of art from the continent, marking a major success story for African artists globally.
Founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, ART X has become a pivotal moment on the global art calendar, bringing together artists and art enthusiasts from Africa and beyond. Overcoming challenges during a recession, Peterside-Schwebig envisioned a platform that not only showcased African art but also fostered a sense of community within the region.
“It took off like a rocket,” Peterside-Schwebig says, reflecting on the fair’s journey. “Over the first few years, we were very pivotal in the emergence of the art season that has now sprung up around the fair.”
The fair has become a magnet, drawing in celebrities, the middle class of Lagos, and an emerging generation of artists, curators, and galleries. It serves as a space for the community to gather and address important questions, especially in times of extreme challenges faced by Nigeria and other African countries.
This year’s theme, “The Dialogue,” reflects the industry’s response to challenging economic times. The fair showcases a diverse array of paintings, prints, moving-image installations, and sculptures. Notably, the last decade has seen a boom in success for Nigerian artists and galleries, driven by growing demand for Black portraiture from the continent.
Wunika Mukan, founder of her eponymous gallery, notes the significant shift in the art world’s focus on West African Black portraits. However, this demand has slowed this year, prompting a reevaluation within the industry.
“So there was a bit of a wild west for a few years, and I think things are calming down,” Mukan explains. Nevertheless, she sees the current climate as an opportunity for artists and galleries to showcase more diversity and flexibility.
One standout exhibition at ART X is by Dafe Oboro, featuring collage, portraiture, and visual and audio installations, including a soundscape of a church service. Visitors praise the intimate and focused atmosphere of this year’s fair, with curator Seju Alero Mike describing it as “phenomenal.”
ART X founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig remains optimistic about the future of Africa’s art scene. Local demand is rising in Nigeria, and international buyers have expressed interest. For Peterside-Schwebig, this signifies a sustainable future and longevity for Africa’s pivotal voice in the mainstream art world.
As the fair comes to a close, Lagos continues to solidify its position as a dynamic hub for African art, leaving a lasting impression on the global art stage.