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Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, pulses with a unique energy—an interplay of old and new, traditional and modern, local and global. This dynamic character makes it an ideal muse for contemporary African artists, as seen in this year’s ART X Lagos, one of Africa’s leading art fairs. The fair, which has been instrumental in putting African art on the global map, showcases how Lagos shapes contemporary African art in profound ways, acting as both a canvas and catalyst for creative expression.

African Art at ART X

The City as a Complex Canvas

Lagos is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that contributes to the stories artists tell. Its streets, markets, architecture, and people serve as vivid imagery for artists who interpret its complexities through visual art, installations, and multimedia. For many artists, Lagos reflects a powerful blend of vibrancy and struggle, beauty and chaos, hope and resilience. This duality gives depth to their work and resonates widely with audiences who recognise these themes within the African experience.

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At ART X Lagos, artists such as Peju Alatise and Victor Ehikhamenor have uniquely captured these complexities. Alatise’s work, often inspired by urban life in Lagos, presents an intricate tapestry of Lagosian characters, local mythology, and socio-political commentary. Her pieces confront societal issues, embodying the energy of Lagos while making powerful statements about identity and culture. Ehikhamenor, on the other hand, incorporates traditional symbols and local narratives to create visual stories that blend his Edo heritage with modern-day Lagos—a fusion that has made him a fixture at ART X and a major representative of Nigerian art abroad.

A Platform for Diverse Narratives

ART X Lagos provides a much-needed platform for African artists to present Lagos as a place, an idea, an experience, and a collection of narratives. The 2024 edition featured an impressive array of artists whose works captured Lagos through different lenses. From socio-political themes to personal identity, these artists used Lagos as a muse to explore and showcase Africa’s evolving art scene.

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For instance, this year’s ART X Prize winner, Kenyan artist Shabu Mwangi, used his work to examine the contrasts between heaven and dystopia, ideas that reflect Lagos’ stark disparities. His themes resonated deeply with the Lagosian audience, who are accustomed to navigating the complexities of a megacity where wealth and poverty coexist in close quarters. By positioning his work within this context, Mwangi’s exploration of dystopia found real-world parallels in Lagos, bridging experiences across African borders and connecting different narratives under a shared urban reality.

The Influence of Urban Culture

Beyond themes of societal contrast, Lagos’ urban culture—its music, fashion, and slang—has influenced contemporary African art in ways that are celebrated at ART X. Visual artists are borrowing from the aesthetics of Lagos’ street culture, incorporating elements from graffiti, signage, and local symbols into their work. This gives their art an immediacy and authenticity that resonates with viewers both within and outside Nigeria. 

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The ART X Live! performance, which is a music and art fusion event, also reflects Lagos’ vibrant influence on contemporary African art. This year, the event fused traditional fuji music with contemporary sounds, featuring artists like Adewale Ayuba and multi-hyphenate creatives who draw inspiration from Lagos’ urban scene. By blending music, performance, and visual arts, ART X Live! encapsulates the multidisciplinary creativity that Lagos fosters and underscores how Lagos is more than a setting—it’s a source of constant inspiration.

Bridging Local and Global Perspectives

Lagos’ reputation as a city of contradictions makes it particularly compelling to international audiences. ART X Lagos has become a nexus for showcasing African art to the world, and Lagos’ global significance is part of what makes it an ideal muse for contemporary artists looking to bridge local and global perspectives. Lagos’ challenges, such as traffic congestion, socio-economic disparities, and rapid urbanization, are not unique; they mirror those faced by many metropolises around the world. 

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The artists at ART X capture these shared experiences, transforming Lagos from a distant place into a relatable entity for international audiences. Moreover, they use local narratives to raise questions that resonate universally: What does it mean to belong in a rapidly changing world? How can individuals reconcile tradition with modernity? By doing so, ART X Lagos does more than celebrate African art; it positions Lagos as a globally significant city whose narratives hold universal appeal.

The Future of Lagos as a Muse

As ART X Lagos continues to grow in stature, so does the role of Lagos as a muse in contemporary African art. This growing reputation has fostered a thriving community of artists who find in Lagos inspiration and purpose. Many of these artists use their work to envision a better Lagos, reflecting hopes for a city that could one day overcome its current struggles while preserving its vibrant culture. 

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The future of Lagos as a muse holds exciting possibilities. With each ART X fair, a new generation of African artists emerges, inspired by the city’s energy and stories. As they gain global recognition, these artists are not only transforming how the world views Lagos but also how Lagosians see their city. Through their art, they reshape narratives, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change.

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