Eyes of a Lagos Boy‘s art project themed; ICONIC LAGOS is set for exhibition at Didi Museum from 17th September through 25th.

The multimedia show honors the biggest metropolis in Africa and cultural heart of Nigeria. 

The purpose of ICONIC LAGOS is to honor Lagos’ residents, celebrate daily life there, and discover the city’s distinctive characteristics.

With a goal of providing a fair representation, Eyes of a Lagos Boy chronicles history from an African viewpoint. 

According to Bolaji Alonge, “Defining our own image is one way of taking charge of our future. ICONIC LAGOS presents an alternative narrative that will remain tattooed on the viewers’ retina. Celebrating the beauty around us in spite of everyday challenges and the current global instability is not luxury, it is a necessity.”

The three elements of ICONIC LAGOS include photography by Bolaji Alonge, mixed-media images by Jason Ogbazi/Alonge and artworks by diverse artists that depict their individual view of Iconic lagos.

After a call for contributions was published in July, about 400 pieces that draw inspiration from the center of excellence were submitted.

A selection of 20 works from artists from the US, India, South Africa, Belgium, the Benin Republic, the UK, Abuja, Osogbo, and Lagos will be included at the exhibition, with the remaining works being presented digitally.

As a tribute to his life, the exhibition also features a handful of photographs by the recently deceased multi-talented film director, Biyi Bandele.

The Nigerian-British creativity-personified recently spent a significant amount of time in Lagos and uploaded pictures of the Lagos Island on his social media pages.

The exhibition is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and is free to enter. See the list of the exciting events:

SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 1 – 7 PM | VIP OPENING
PERFORMANCE BY WANNIXHANDI (4PM) & JEANSHIKI COUTURE

An iconic opening, birthday celebration, opportunity to meet the artists and experience the Eyes of a Lagos Boy vibe.

TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 12noon – 4PM | VISUAL STORYTELLING MASTERCLASS

A Masterclass on Visual Storytelling with the participation of seasoned photographers. Limited spaces, registration required. Participation is free of charge. Register here.

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 11 AM | KIDS PLAY | ART WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN (5-15 YO)

A workshop for young artists and art lovers. Three hours of fun, learning about colors and composition. Limited spaces, registration required. Participation is free of charge. Register here.

From Lagos, Nigeria, Bolaji Alonge has been documenting history for more than 20 years as a photographer, actor and artist.

In May 2017 at Freedom Park in Lagos, Bolaji made his solo stage debut with “Eyes of a Lagos Boy.”

Urban Culture – Historical Continuity, his second solo exhibition, took place in November 2018 at the One Draw Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos. In February 2019, Bolaji had an art exhibition at Baza Studio in New York. 

The third solo show “Black & White,” which was held at Quintessence, Lagos, took place in July 2019.

Alonge played “Afrobeat: The Legacy” at Freedom Park in Lagos as part of Felabration 2019, a celebration honoring Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Fela Kuti’s eldest son. 

Alonge and seven other photographers showed “Nigeria Trending” at the Lagos Fringe Festival in November 2020, which included images from the #EndSARS protest.

In February 2021, he presented “Street Flowers of Lagos” at Temple Muse.

In September 2021, the Didi Museum in Lagos hosted the opening of Alonge’s Greener Pastures, an exhibition highlighting the ‘riverine’ neighbourhoods of Lagos,

It was also shown at the Lagos Fringe Festival and the ICAB Biennale in November and December of the same year. The documentary festival IREP 2022 featured ‘Greener Pastures’.

Nigerian-born Jason Nnamdi Ogbazi is a gifted designer and artist. While pursuing his higher studies in the UK, he started his professional career with well-known designers and photographers. Safe to say, this experience has had impact on his subsequent artistic development.

He puts in a lot of effort to create great designs and artwork that are distinctive and stylish.

The call for entries resulted in the selection of the following artists to participate at ICONIC LAGOS:

Adepegba David, Akande John, Akinsola Olamilekan, Ananou Jean-fidele, Awosola Michael Angello, Falore Ayokunle, Folami Razak, Gaspard Koutchika, Genco Sanli, Holly Muse, Joydeep Bose, Kola Onifoto, Lanre Lawal, Motolani Bello, Mpumelelo Buthelezi, OC George, Olaosun Oluwapelumi, Olaosun Pelumi, Samuel Okechukwu and Tosan Dundun-Tblack.

View the contributions on this page:
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/iconiclagos/