Unveiling the Potential of Scaffolds in Contemporary Art and Public Space
Scaffolding is often seen as a practical tool in construction, yet it carries significant meaning in architecture and urban development. Scaffolding Futures, a lecture presentation hosted by G.A.S. Foundation resident Phokeng Setai, encouraged participants to rethink scaffolding as more than a labor tool, viewing it as a symbol of transformation in art, design, and urbanism. Drawing inspiration from radical architects who challenge traditional architectural norms, the event explored scaffolding as both a physical structure and a symbolic space with the potential to shape cities and communities.
Setai’s presentation examined scaffolding’s dual role as a facade and foundation that influences how we experience urban environments. From monumental historical structures to the bamboo scaffolds used across Asia, scaffolding was recognized as a mix of traditional wisdom and modern functionality. The event also delved into its cultural and social impacts, highlighting its constant presence in the urban landscape.
The evening featured discussions on site-specific art and performance, starting with Peter D. Abayomi’s talk on integrating natural materials and music in public spaces. Abayomi, a multidisciplinary artist and cultural organizer, explored scaffolding as a medium for site-specific sound art, emphasizing the relationship between nature, art, and community. Next, Femi Adebajo (Mokuti) shared insights on transforming scaffolding into stages for urban performance art. As a choreographer with experience in socially engaged works, Adebajo focused on connecting public spaces with cultural history and community through scaffold-based performances.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience had the chance to further engage with the speakers, followed by closing remarks from Setai. His reflections underscored the potential for future collaborations that reimagine scaffolding as dynamic, creative spaces in public life.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 29th August 2024
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: 9B, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off TF Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Phokeng Setai
Phokeng Setai is an interdisciplinary cultural practitioner working at the intersection of curatorial practice and artistic research. His academic research focuses on African contemporary art and emergent modes of cultural production. Over the past five years, he has embraced curatorial practice as a means to address methodological frustrations stemming from his scholarly research in Anthropology and Sociology. His curatorial work is deeply informed by his social sciences background and encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary interests and approaches. He experiments with various models to investigate artistic and research inquiries, viewing curatorial practice as an independent field of knowledge production and a multimodal vehicle for discursive inquiry. After completing his doctoral research on contemporary African curatorial strategies and pedagogy, he has shifted his focus to the crossover of contemporary art with urban studies, architectural practice, and football scholarship.
Peter D. Abayomi (a.k.a Peter Bàtá)
Peter D. Abayomi is a multidisciplinary artist, composer, curator, and community/cultural organizer whose diverse talents are underscored by his commitment to community advocacy, and challenging conventions in African cultural knowledge. With the Eran Jije Project, Peter's work raises awareness about the transformative power of upcycling and recycling culture in Lagos tackling pressing issues like waste management and environmental sustainability, thus catalysing meaningful change and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Femi Adebajo (a.k.a Mokuti)
Femi Adebajo, a choreographer and urban artist, will examine the potential of scaffolding as a site for performance art. With a background in creating socially engaged, site-specific works, Femi's talk explored how scaffolds can be transformed into stages for urban performances, connecting public space, cultural history, and community engagement.
Phokeng's residency is generously supported by A4 Arts Foundation.