Africa's art scene gains steam with Art X Lagos

Artwork by Ghanian artist, Jeremiah Quarshie - Photo credit: Chioma Udeh

For this year's edition of Art X Lagos, thousands of people from all over the world turned up for the three-day event, an unusual and impressive sight to behold.
This year's art fair had a broader representation featuring over 60 artists from 15 countries.
Artists that exhibited their works include Ghanian artist, Jeremiah Quarshie whose portraits are popular all over the world, British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, Ben Enwonwu, one of the pioneers of modern African art and other renowned and emerging artists.
31 year old founder of Art X Lagos,Tokoni Peterside says this year's aim was to have more artists introduced to new and experienced art collectors.
The organizer hopes to widen West Africa's connection to the international art scene, showcasing the best and innovative contemporary art from Africa and western countries.
The fair featured curated projects, talks, live art and music performances.
Different perspectives were at play with some artists choosing themes that resonate with issues facing Africa like Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria's northeastern region, epileptic power that has plagued the West African country for years, water issues in Ghana among other societal ills.
Some of the art works were a reflection of iconic afrobeat musician Fela Kuti's life and music.
Art X Lagos launched in 2016 and is seeking to reinforce the visual arts as an important aspect of Africa's creative industry while positioning Lagos as an emerging cultural capital on the continent.

Photo credit: Chioma Udeh

Tokoni Peterside and Chioma Udeh