PROMISED LANDS: ART X LAGOS 2024 AND THE CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN ART ON A GLOBAL STAGE
Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, ART X Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair, marks yet another chapter in its journey as a transformative force in the world of art. With its central theme of ‘Promised Lands’, this year’s edition shines the spotlight on the dreams and aspirations of Africans and its diaspora on a global stage, exploring the potential of African art to redefine cultural narratives and connect audiences across continents. ART X Lagos is far from being just an ordinary art fair, it’s recognized as a crucial platform for African creativity, offering artists and art lovers an immersive experience of Africa’s rich and diverse cultural expressions, reinforcing the continent as a dynamic hub of talent and innovation. The art fair took center stage over a course of four days (31 October – 3 November 2024).
The ART X Lagos VIP preview and opening ceremony on Friday, November 1st, was an unforgettable evening where art, fashion, and film converged in celebration. This marquee event brought together some of Africa’s most influential figures, including government officials, dignitaries, industry leaders, and prominent personalities, cementing its reputation as one of the continent’s most anticipated events of the year.
A Promised Land for African Artists: Bridging Boundaries, Elevating Voices
ART X Lagos has managed to elevate the standard of art in numerous ways, including becoming a beacon for both emerging and established African artists – offering a unique stage/platform for them to express and showcase their art. As for this year’s fair? It was not just a display of talent; it was a representation of a “promised land” of opportunity, where African art takes center stage in the global art scene. The fair enabled artists from the continent and the African diaspora to interact with international collectors, institutions, and art enthusiasts, amplifying African voices in an arena that has historically overlooked them.
The art fair further embraces African diversity uniquely through the versatile mediums that showcase the continent’s art – proving that storytelling can be achieved in different ways. With its carefully curated selection of artworks that span multiple mediums and genres, ART X Lagos allowed audiences to experience African creativity in its entirety. By presenting such a diverse range of narratives, the fair does more than celebrate individual artistry; it bridges the gap between local perspectives and global audiences, allowing African art to inspire and influence new conversations around identity, heritage, and modernity.
Engaging Audiences with Innovative Programs and Special Projects
ART X Lagos further goes beyond being a conventional art fair, it went from displaying art and talent to also introducing a range of interactive experiences. Programs included a series of discussions that dived deep into themes at the heart of African identity, culture, and societal transformation, one of them being Speakers’ Corner: The Crossroads. These dialogues, featuring influential artists, curators, and cultural thinkers, enabling attendees to engage deeply with the contemporary issues shaping the African art landscape.
One of the art fair’s curators, Missla Libsekal, who’s an independent curator, writer, and cultural producer touched on one of the projects she curated, Mark Makers: Unsung Pioneers. This exhibition is a special tribute and celebration of overlooked Nigerians who broke boundaries and uplifted their communities. Jonathan Adagogo Green,Nigeria’s first professional photographer, WWII resistance fighter August Agboola Browne, and Nana Asma’u were some of the Mark Makers featured as part of this exhibition at ART X Lagos.
When asked about the inspiration and criteria behind the selected Mark Makers, Missla responded: “history has always been very written and we just thought that it would be useful to think of people that are out of the typical field of view. It felt great to bring these lesser-known stories to public view.” She spoke on the importance of representation of important figures, including of those that were represented at ART X Lagos for this specific exhibition. This also translates to the messaging of ‘Promised Lands’, a “promised land” of opportunities for African artists – providing a platform for artists to showcase their versatile body of work.
Curating narratives: Seeing Africa through a lens
As global interest in African art continues to rise, ART X Lagos stands as a pivotal force in shaping the way African creativity is perceived internationally. One of the most prominent ways of storytelling and art is cinema. The beauty of cinema is its ability to tell stories in ways no other form of art can – featuring both visuals and sound. ART X Cinema captures the essence of truth, connection, and identity in the continent’s art space. Curated by creative producer and film programmer, Tega Okiti, this program featured a selection of 13 films by a new generation of African and diaspora filmmakers and artists. It further seeked to showcase storytellers whose work challenges and illuminates the trajectories of African and African-descended people worldwide. “Culture is integral to shaping great thinkers, creatives and people through all walks of life. As a Nigerian born abroad, it’s really a privilege to serve my community and be part of an African community through my contributions”, says Tega. ART X Cinema captures the beauty, culture, and fierce talent of African filmmakers.
ART X Lagos 2024: Paving the Way to a Collective Vision of African Art’s Future
With a forward-looking vision, ART X Lagos continues to build a “promised land” for African artists and audiences alike. The question is “How do we get to the promised land?” This art fair is the first step and gateway to reshaping narratives and breaking boundaries for African artists while promoting the value of working collectively. The fair’s dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and the empowerment of African artists ensures it remains an event that you just can’t miss; one that reaffirms the artistic potential of Africa as both a source of inspiration and a thriving space of cultural evolution.
ART X Lagos 2024 is more than an event—it is a movement, a declaration of African art excellence. As a “promised land” of possibility, the art fair unleashed a new era, where the world can fully embrace the power, diversity, and innovation of African art. Visit the ART X Lagos website for more info and how the art fair went.
ART X Lagos will return for its tenth edition in 2025 from 6th to 9th November 2025.
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