In a state where institutional support is lacking, government backing is close to zero, and the economic backdrop is abysmal, the artistic energy within the Lagos art scene is thriving. Against all odds, the artistic energy in the West African art capital of Nigeria is witnessing the rise of new galleries that are reshaping the local, and by extension the international art scene. These galleries provide platforms for up-and-coming and established artists to exhibit their work while redefining contemporary art within the city's cultural landscape.
Soto Gallery
Soto Gallery was relaunched in October 2022. Located in Ikoyi, the gallery transitioned from its previous model as iDesign Art. In its previous iteration, the gallery curated both intimate and large-scale exhibitions, featuring the works of over two hundred artists like Chigozie Obi, Gerald Chukwuma, Ayanfe Olarinde, and Jessica Soares, amongst others. Many of these artists have subsequently garnered considerable critical acclaim in recent years.
Founded by Tola Akerele, interior designer and founder of Bogobiri House in Lagos, the contemporary art centre is dedicated to sharing diverse African perspectives through art. At Soto, the focus is on paintings and mixed media works by emerging and mostly established African artists. Their mission is to be a holistic interface between the new and the known, across Africa’s evolving art industry.
Focusing on bold and timely creative works that may extend beyond the boundaries of traditional galleries, Soto Gallery takes a deeply engaged and comprehensive approach to promoting artists, especially as they navigate various stages of their careers and explore diverse mediums. Ludovic Fadairo, Obi Nwaegbe, Chukwumereogo Okeke, Johnson Uwadinma and Uche Uzorka are some of the artists on their roster.
Exhibition view at Soto Gallery. Courtesy of Soto Gallery
Yenwa Gallery
With a special focus on African photography and new media, Yenwa Gallery presents contemporary paintings and sculptures from Africa and its diasporas. Set up in Victoria Island, the gallery is a space for ideas and dialogue.
Inspired by her own ideas around culture, spirituality, and interconnectedness, Yenwa Gallery was founded by independent curator Ugonna Ibe in 2021. In April 2023, the gallery invited the public into its first physical art space in Lagos.
The artists on the gallery’s roster include both established and emerging artists. Some of the artists that have been exhibited are Kolade Oshinowo, Duke Asidere, Edosa Oguigo, Fiyin Koko, Nola Ayoola, Kelechi Orode Chukwueke, and Ehinomen Okoeki. A good number of these artists have participated in group exhibitions within Nigeria and the diaspora.
Installation view of the exhibition “Inner Space” at Yenwa Gallery. Courtesy of Yenwa Gallery.
Tiwani Contemporary
Just after celebrating its 10th anniversary as a leading art gallery in London, Tiwani Contemporary opened a new–and second–art space in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, in 2022. With an impressive roster of artists that includes Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, Mequitta Ahuja, Joy Labinjo, Michaela Yearwood-Dan, and Virginia Chihota, amongst others, Tiwani intends to cater to local audiences by presenting major and never-before-seen shows in situ.
Founded by Maria Varnava, whose love for the city has lasted decades and vision for the Lagos space since the London gallery was first opened in 2011, Tiwani’s focus is on demonstrating its commitment to the African continent, as it allows artists the opportunity to work, engage, and exhibit in Nigeria.
Today at Tiwani, they have a year-round programme of solo and group exhibitions in their London and Lagos spaces. Through its programme of exhibitions, talks, and publications, the gallery aims to contribute to the conversations on the art ecosystem in Lagos, and possibly start a new one. Their collaboration with G.A.S. Yinka Shonibare’s Foundation helps to offer residencies in Lagos to artists from its roster of represented, associated and exhibited artists. Their artists have been exhibited internationally, as they have participated in international art fairs like Frieze (London), The Armory Show (NYC) and Art Basel, Miami.
Exhibition view of Joy Labinjo’s works at Tiwani Contemporary Lagos. Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary.
Nomadic Gallery
Nomadic Art Gallery has been around since 2016. Its mission to link African art and artists on the continent and in the Diaspora hasn’t changed. Located in Victoria Island, the gallery is dedicated to making African art travel.
At Nomadic, solo and group shows of African contemporary art are curated and exhibited with accessibility in mind. Non-conformist, Nomadic Art Gallery is dedicated to diasporic art. Founded by Charlotte Obidairo, it focuses on the representation of African art from all over Africa and in the diaspora. With the art space, Obidairo’s long-term mission is to transform contemporary African art enterprise and to firmly place African artists at the center of the growing dialogue with collectors, curators, museums, and public installations across the world.
In addition to the physical space in Lagos, Nomadic hosts travelling exhibitions in other parts of Nigeria and Africa. Some of the artists on the roster, including Emmanuel Adebayo Adeyemi, Jessicah Yakno-Abasi Ene, Joe Abdallah, Valerie Etitinwo, Olalekan Odunbori, Oluwafernami Okeowo, and Janet Adebayo, work on different mediums, from prints to sculptures and paintings to crafts. They have held exhibitions in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Kenya, and Ivory Coast, featuring artists including Peju Alatise, Baba Tjeko, and Yagazie Emezie amongst others.
Fiyin Koko, My Trip, 2023, Pottery, 15.3 x 30.5 cm. Courtesy of Nomadic Art Gallery.