Awakening and shaping the future: The ART X Lagos art fair confronts African clichés

ART X Lagos was founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside and is the first fair of its kind in all of West Africa. It aims to provide an additional stage for African artists and to strengthen Lagos' position as a cultural capital of the continent. With approximately 10,000 visitors annually, the fair has quickly become an important pillar of the African art market. The organizers are aware of this responsibility, which is why this year's fair aims to contribute to a changed view not only of art, but of Africa as a continent. This year's Special Projects, which will feature particularly experimental artworks, include Reloading... with digital art, and Future Africa with artworks that explore the future of Africa in all areas.

30 galleries will show works by more than 110 artists, some of whom are intensively dealing with previous influences of European and American art, subverting them and thus producing current, African positions. A special presentation is dedicated to Lagos-born artist Yusuf Grillo, whose combination of modern European art and Yoruba sculpture since the 1960s sought a new visual language that was contemporary for Nigeria. Grillo, who recently passed away in August 2021, is considered an art pioneer in his homeland.

Another special feature is the awarding of the ART X Prize. Nominated are young artists who clear up clichés about Africa, but without transfiguring problems or losing themselves in them. The nominees are Chigozie Obi, Chukwudi Onwumere, Mobolaji Ogunrosoye, Nyancho NwaNri and Omoregie Osakpolor. Interested parties from around the world can view the show online through Nov. 21 at ARTXLAGOS.com.