The Lagos contemporary art scene came alive at the +234 Art Fair, where young Nigerian artists took center stage, displaying their creativity and resilience despite economic challenges.
Held at the Ecobank Pan-African Center, the event featured over 600 works from 200 artists, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to discover emerging talent.
Among the standout pieces was a striking collage of two women holding the world in their hands, capturing the attention of gallerist Nancy Keshinro. “I’m in love,” she admitted, as she admired the nearly life-sized artwork.
The fair, founded by Tola Akerele, aims to break the barriers that often restrict young artists in Lagos, providing a platform for fresh voices from across Nigeria.
“Lagos is obviously very saturated, the artists are very centralized,” Akerele noted. “So we really try and make sure we get artists from all over Nigeria to showcase their work.”
With prices ranging from 100,000 naira ($64) to four million naira, the event caters to both seasoned collectors and newcomers eager to invest in contemporary African art.
For artists like Abiodun Bodunrin, known as “Peniel,” the fair is not just about sales but also about networking. “My main aim for the fair was to expand my network, to get more eyes to see my art, to meet patrons,” he explained.
Despite Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggles, gallery owner Ugoma Ebilah emphasized that the country’s artistic spirit remains unshaken.
“What you see in the visual expressions, across forms—sculpture, painting, photography, music—is essentially a portrait of a people who are deeply resilient, highly innovative, and creative, in spite of it all,” she said.
With its growing influence in West Africa, Lagos continues to solidify its reputation as a cultural hub, attracting both local and international art enthusiasts.
For many attendees, the fair was more than an exhibition—it was a reflection of Nigeria’s unbreakable creative spirit.
