By Taiye Olayemi

An international art fair, ART X Lagos, has opened with tribute to late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc and some other unsung pioneers across different fields.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s fair is ‘Promised Lands’.

The exhibition had on display beautiful photos of the late banker with videos of iconic previous public presentations.

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART X Lagos, during a media preview of the exhibitions on Thursday, said no fewer than 10 specially curated galleries from cities like Lagos, Harare, Accra, and London, were featured.

According to her, the theme resonates deeply with our collective journey, reflecting on where we are and envisioning where we aspire to be.

Peterside-Schwebig noted that one of the galleries known as the Markmaker gallery exhibited photographs and achievements of some unsung pioneers who redefined what was possible for Africans in science, art and social activism.

According to her, the gallery also has photos, videos and documentaries on late Wigwe, celebrating his lofty contributions toward the growth of arts.

“Through their legacy, we are reminded that greatness stems from courage, collaboration, and the audacity to challenge the status quo. This exhibition was curated by Missla Libsekal, Fikayo Adebajo and Haily Grenet,” she said.

Peterside-Schwebig said the fair showcases a diverse mix of emerging and established artists from across Africa and its diaspora.

“ART X Lagos 2024 will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, at the Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The private collectors’ preview will be held Oct. 31, followed by the VIP Preview on Frday, Nov. 1. The fair will be open to the pubic on Saturday, Nov. 2nd and Sunday, Nov. 3rd, while virtual audiences can aso engage with the fair on Artsy.net.

“The fair will be paying tribute to late Herbert Wigwe, Former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, for his enduring legacy in building the art industry.

“Other unsung heroes also acknowledged are: Oladunni Odoguwa, first woman to be a Juju band leader; Victoria Iruemi, first Nigerian woman to be a band leader; Dr Elizabeth Awoliyi who was undeterred by the gender gap in 1935, and many more,” she said.

According to Peterside-Schwebig, the fair has continued to push boundaries, fostering cross cultural dialogue.

She said this had been made possible through diverse selection of curated galleries, thought provoking exhibitions and special projects, dynamic live performances, and insightful discussions.

“This year, the fair will continue its commitment to highlighting African art, culture, and community, while fostering critical conversations on the social and political transformations shaping the continent.

“Against a backdrop of challenges being experienced in Nigeria, with political and socio-economic difficulties across Africa, this year’s theme will expore, “Promised Lands”.

“This is to explore places, real and imagined, that offer hope and a vision of greater freedom, prompting a critical examination of where Africa and its diaspora aspire to go,” she said.

“Peterside-Schwebig noted that since Art X debutant in 2016, the fair had showcased artists from over 70 countries, as the fair firmly estabished itself as the leading hub for African and diaspora creatives.”

She explained that there would be a crossroads session curated by by Papa Omotayo in collaboration with Haily Grenet, Fikayo Adebajo and Dike Anthony.

She said this space would invite meaningful engagement on pivotal societal questions as it reflect on Nigera’s current challenges, creating a collective tapestry of shared voices and hopes.

“Other major exhibitions include Marcellina Akpojotor’s textile art addressing sustainability and Williams Chechet’s Afrofuturist “Breaking Barriers,” both contributing to the fair’s theme of creativity driving social change.

“The Access ART X prize 2023 winners Julius Agbaje for Nigeria Award and Shabu Mwangi for Africa and Diaspora Award, will host solo exhibitions around the concept of “What May Come”.

“This is alongside a retrospective on previous winners of the prize, curated by Jumoke Sanwo.

“In collaboration with Afreximbank, ART X Lagos will also present Art Across Borders, an exhibition featuring six mid-career African and Caribbean artists who explore ancestral connections and future possibilities.

“ART X Talks will further enrich the fair with engaging discussions, including a conversation with filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu.

The 2024 galleries incude: Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Alexis Gallery (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Affinity Art Gallery (Nigeria).

Others are Kanbi Projects (UK), kó (Nigeria), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), ODA Art Gallery (Nigeria) and Tiwani Contemporary (UK). (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Folasade Adeniran