Joy Onuorah
A collaborative art project is set to captivate art enthusiasts and culture connoisseurs in Lagos as Bolaji Alonge (NGA) and Ottograph (NL) come together to present “6 HOURS.”
This innovative art exhibition is scheduled to take place at DIDI MUSEUM, Victoria Island, Lagos, from September 16 to September 24, 2023.
A Fusion of Art Forms
“6 HOURS” is a unique fusion of painting, street art, and photography, offering viewers an immersive experience that delves into the contrasts and similarities of life in two cities with a six-hour flight between them: Amsterdam and Lagos.
The narrative artfully weaves themes like urban life, dance, music, masquerades, and freedom of expression, creating a thought-provoking and inspiring journey.
The art exhibition has received support from the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lagos, enhancing the international collaboration.
An Immersive Art Residency
What makes “6 HOURS” truly special is the immersive art residency that precedes the exhibition. It marks the first-ever collaboration between artists Alonge and Ottograph, uniting their passion for street art and street photography.
Alonge shared his approach during a recent Press viewing held on Friday 8th Sept. 2023 saying, “I aim to capture the everyday reality of any society I get immersed in, with Lagos, Nigeria mostly presented.”
Meanwhile, Ottograph sees street art as “a form of total freedom in art, with basically no rules.”
The Power of Art in Capturing Reality
For Alonge, art is a means to document history and reflect the essence of life. He emphasized during that, “The power of the art of photography in reflecting who we are goes a long way in boosting the confidence of a people.”
Ottograph also invites interpretation, stating, “I want people to come up with their own interpretation when looking at my murals and paintings.”
Strength in Collaboration
Both artists believe in the strength of collaboration. Alonge noted, “The right collaboration amplifies the message jointly put forward by artists, giving the audience and collectors more to enjoy and experience.”
Two Countries, One Grand Exhibition
“6 HOURS” is a grand celebration of cultural exchange, bringing together Nigeria and the Netherlands.
Ottograph, an internationally renowned street artist, visits Nigeria for the first time, merging his recognizable pop art with Alonge’s compelling “Eyes of a Lagos Boy.”
Ottograph: The Street Art Maestro
The Dutch large-scale muralist, Ottograph, has been an artist since the age of ten. His work reflects on society and invites viewers to search for their own truth.
Ottograph’s murals can be found in cities worldwide, including Moscow, Tokyo, Berlin, New York, and San Francisco. He has collaborated with notable brands like Greenpeace, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, and Mercedes-Benz.
Bolaji Alonge: Capturing Lagos from Unique Angles
Nigeria’s Bolaji Alonge, known as “Eyes of a Lagos Boy,” is a journalist, artist, photographer, and actor. With two decades of experience documenting history, he presents Lagos from unexpected angles, offering deep social messages through everyday life images.
An International Portfolio
Since 2017, Alonge has showcased his work in exhibitions across Lagos, NYC, and Brighton (UK). His website, eyesofalagosboy.com, has evolved into a news portal focusing on culture and lifestyle from an African perspective.
Exhibition Details
- Press View: Friday, September 15, 12 noon
- Opening: Saturday, September 16, 1 – 7 PM, with a special performance at 4 PM
- Kids Play: Saturday, September 23, 11 AM – Art Workshop for Children (5-15 YO)
- Finissage: Sunday, September 24, 4 PM
For inquiries and more information, contact Bolaji Alonge at bolaji.alonge@eyesofalagosboy.com or +234 906 883 60 78. Visit didimuseum.com at 175 Akin Adesola, Victoria Island, Lagos. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, including Sundays.
Explore more at eyesofalagosboy.com and instagram.com/ottograph_painting/.