About this book:

Step into the vibrant heart of Africa’s most populous city with *Color and Canvas: The Artistic Renaissance of Lagos*, a captivating journey through Nigeria’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. This immersive book unveils how Lagos has evolved from a city steeped in ancient Yoruba visual culture and colonial legacies to a dynamic global art hub. Discover the foundational institutions, pioneering collectives, and landmark festivals like FESTAC '77 that laid the groundwork for this explosive creative movement, establishing a unique Nigerian identity in art that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity.

*Color and Canvas* introduces you to the visionary artists who are defining this renaissance. Explore the powerful, narrative-driven sculptures of Peju Alatise, who gives voice to Nigerian womanhood; delve into the intricate, myth-infused worlds of Victor Ehikhamenor, where memory and modernity converge; and experience the layered, diasporic identity woven into the captivating multimedia compositions of Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Beyond these luminaries, meet the bold young painters, cutting-edge photographers, and multimedia mavericks who are reshaping Lagos’s urban landscape with their innovative techniques and unfiltered social commentary, pushing boundaries across diverse mediums from digital art to performance.

Beyond the artists, this book illuminates the crucial ecosystem that sustains Lagos’s art world. Gain exclusive insights into iconic spaces like the Nike Art Gallery, a beacon of traditional textile and transformation, and explore the rise of contemporary hubs such as Rele Gallery and Kó Art Space, which are actively fostering new talent and connecting local creatives to global audiences. Understand the vital role of passionate collectors and patrons in building Nigeria’s art market, and witness how public art, murals, and community projects are democratizing creativity and fostering urban change. Addressing both the challenges and boundless opportunities—from funding and visibility to the exciting future of digital revolutions and global recognition—*Color and Canvas* offers a compelling, comprehensive portrait of a city painting its own future, where imagination and resilience flourish on every canvas.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore the historical foundations of Lagos's art scene, from indigenous Yoruba visual culture and colonial influences to the emergence of modern Nigerian art and the quest for national identity post-independence.
• Discover the pivotal roles of pioneering institutions like the Mbari Mbayo clubs and Didi Museum, and monumental events such as FESTAC '77, in establishing Lagos as a significant cultural hub.
• Meet influential contemporary artists such as Peju Alatise, Victor Ehikhamenor, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and learn how they sculpt narratives of womanhood, myth, memory, and diaspora through diverse media.
• Delve into the vibrant landscape of new generation galleries like Rele and Kó Art Space, alongside the growing impact of photographers, digital artists, and multimedia mavericks who are redefining artistic boundaries.
• Understand the critical role of collectors and patrons in building Nigeria’s art market, the transformative power of public art and street murals in urban spaces, and the future visions for art education and technology in Lagos.

Who's It For:

This book is for art enthusiasts, collectors, cultural tourists, and scholars interested in contemporary African art and the dynamic creative scene of Lagos. It will particularly appeal to those seeking a deep dive into the historical influences, key figures, and institutional developments that have shaped Nigeria's artistic renaissance, offering both an academic overview and practical insights for engaging with the art world in Lagos.