On 12th December, Yinka Shonibare Foundation hosted its Patrons & Alumni Winter Soirée at Autograph, London celebrating the Abi Morroco Photos: Spirit of Lagos exhibition. The show is co-curated by Autograph Senior Curator, Bindi Vora and G.A.S. alumni, Lagos Studio Archives; a curatorial and cultural preservation collective by Karl Ohiri and Riikka Kassinen. Lagos Studio Archives undertook a residency at G.A.S. Lagos in October 2023, for research into the legacy and Archives of Abi Morroco Photos, a pioneering Lagos photographic studio whose striking black-and-white portraits from the 1970s captured the rich style and joyous spirit of a transformative era in Nigeria’s history.
The soirée began with a warm welcome address by Autograph’s Director, Professor Mark Sealy followed by an insightful guided tour of Abi Morroco Photos: Spirit of Lagos by Bindi Vora, illuminating the exhibition’s compelling portrayal of the work of Abi Morocco Photos. Guests were then treated to an empathetic tour of Rotimi Fani-Kayode: The Studio – Staging Desire, led by Professor Sealy offering a reflective lens on Fani-Kayode’s groundbreaking exploration of culture, desire, identity, and intimacy. The evening concluded with festive drinks and light refreshments, where patrons, supporters, trustees, and Y.S.F. Founder, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA mingled with alumni and incoming residents. This gathering reminded us of the collaborative spirit underpinning our residencies, championing art as a vehicle for critical reflection and cultural dialogue.
