The fifth edition of the Lagos Art Tour began on Tuesday 29th October, with the G.A.S. and Y.S.F. teams warmly welcoming patrons, trustees, and friends of the Foundations from across the globe, who arrived throughout the day at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Early arrivals had the opportunity to attend two optional events: Stories of a Broken Water Cycle, presented by Polly Alakija at the Nordic Hotel, an interactive event addressing climate change in Nigerian communities, and the Manifold Exhibition at Alara Concept Store, showcasing global Black female and non-binary artists. These activities set the stage for a week of networking, exploring the Lagos Art ecosystem, and meaningful discoveries on art and social impact.
Lagos Art Tour Day 1: Visits to Kelani Abass' Studio and Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Wednesday, 30th October marked the first full day of the tour offered an immersive exploration of Lagos and beyond. Guests departed early for the G.A.S. Farm House in Ikise-Ijebu, in Ogun State designed by Nigerian architect Papa Omotayo, on the 54-acre Ecology Green Farm founded by Shonibare in 2018—stopping en route at Kelani Abass’s studio to experience his work on material heritage and the archive. At the farm, visitors toured the expansive Ecology Green Farm, viewed works-in-progress by Farm House-based resident artists, Ofem Ubi and Kosisochukwu Nnebe and enjoyed a farm-to-table lunch by Chef Vanessa Cole. The day concluded with a visit to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, showcasing Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage from Benin Bronzes to iconic Nigerian modernist pieces. In the evening, attendees joined the kó Gallery Soiree, hosted by G.A.S. Patron Kavita Chellaram, featuring vibrant art and networking opportunities.
Lagos Art Tour Day 1: A Trip to G.A.S. Farm House
On Thursday 31st October, guests began their day at the G.A.S. Lagos Networking Breakfast, touring the foundation’s facilities, and engaging with the resident artists and stakeholders from the Nigerian cultural ecosystem. This was followed by an exclusive tour of the refurbished National Theatre, delving into its FESTAC '77 legacy and contemporary significance. Afterwards, they attended a private view of The Indigo Project 's Deep as the Sea, Wide as the Sky, at CCA Lagos, spotlighting the global journey of indigo and its artisanal heritage. The evening culminated in an intimate soiree hosted by G.A.S. Trustee Ugoma Ebilah, offering attendees a glimpse into her multifaceted contributions to Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
Lagos Art Tour Day 2: G.A.S. Networking Breakfast.
First November began with a Morning Salon at Art Hotel, featuring a dialogue between 2024 Tilga Art Prize winner Ugo Ahiakwo and 2023 G.A.S. Fellow Amanda Iheme on the transformative power of residencies. Lunch at Tiwani Contemporary highlighted Where My Gaze Falls, Sikelela Owen’s poignant exploration of familial intimacy. Guests then visited the studios of artists Kwadwo Esiedu and Mobolaji Ogunrosoye, discovering their approaches to environmental and social narratives. The evening concluded with a private view of ART X Lagos, West Africa’s premier art fair, followed by an optional group dinner to celebrate the vibrant art community.
Lagos Art Tour Day 3: Tilga Art Prize Morning Salon at Art Hotel, Tiwani Contemporary Luncheon, Kwadwo Esiedu Studio Visit, Mobolaji Ogunrosoye Studio Visit,
The penultimate day of the Lagos Art Tour Saturday, 2nd November began with a visit to kó Gallery for Kindred Spirits: A Gathering of the Aka Circle of Artists, an exhibition celebrating the legacy of the Aka Circle. This was followed by Write, if you please at Treehouse Lagos, a showcase of alternative publishing practices and public collaboration. A lunch visit to the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence spotlighted work by Yinka Shonibare, Joy Labinjo, and Ben Enwonwu. The afternoon's gallery visits highlighted diverse artistic narratives, from Affinity Art Gallery to Chigozie Obi’s introspection at Yenwa Gallery, and Taiye Idahor’s powerful commentary on identity at O’DA Art. The evening concluded with the Lagos Art Tour Finissage at G.A.S. Lagos, hosted in conjunction with our institutional partner, Deutche Bank, where Yinka Shonibare’s welcome address set the tone for a celebratory night of music, art, and camaraderie.
Lagos Art Tour Day 4: Lunch at the British Deputy High Commission in Nigeria.
Sunday 3rd November marked the final day of the tour. The morning began with a visit to the bustling Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, where guests explored a vibrant collection of African art, crafts, and handmade goods. The afternoon presented options to attend the ART X or Manifold talks programmes, providing insights into contemporary art and culture. The day concluded with farewell dinner at SLoW Lagos, Nigeria's first craft brewery, where guests enjoyed innovative, locally brewed beers inspired by Nigerian flavors—a fitting end to a dynamic week in Lagos.
G.A.S. Foundation Artists in Residence (L-R): Ofem Ubi, Theophilus Imani, Kosisochukwu Nnebe, Liz Kobusinge and Shabu Mwangi.