It was a bright Friday afternoon in Lagos, with the kind of weather that made you feel like the weekend was about to be an exciting one. You all know you’re supposed to calculate the level of fun to have during the weekend, based on how hectic the week was, right? So, I just knew I was in for a ride.
It was sealed when I got a call from Getlit Africa to attend one of the biggest art fairs in Lagos—+234 Art Fair—trust me to show up and show out! I’m too excited and I know you’re excited also, so I’m going to stop stalling and get right into the gist.
The +234 Art Fair was already booming with energy by the time I arrived and I was greeted by the sophisticated outflow of art and all things beautiful. The venue was packed with artists, collectors, enthusiasts, and those who just love a good dose of creativity. From the entrance, one could already feel the spirit of the Lagos in the most artistic form—bold, loud, and expressive—and that seems to be what stuck out for me. The colors, the people, the vibrant blends of Ankara styles, the bold jewelries, the art, the fine line between creative expressions and the African richness—it was a full sensory experience.
Walking through each booth of the exhibition, I was met with a variety of stunning pieces—some that made me pause in admiration and I had to remind myself to close my mouth or reduce how wide my eyes were opened in awe, some that made me tilt my head in confusion (cos really, as how? ‘what does this even mean?’), and others that just made me want to bring out my phone and start taking pictures. The range of talent on display was incredible—paintings, sculptures, mixed media, digital art and even the various vendors all came together in a way that felt like an ode to Nigerian creativity.
Even as an artist and a lover of art, I was on a mission, so I adjusted my ID card and carried Getlit Africa on my head. Getlit Africa being an arts community that provides not just opportunities and grants for Nigerians in the art industry but also a platform for every artist to showcase their work and interact with creatives alike. It was nothing short of amazing speaking to artists and enthusiasts who were interested in the vision and in being a part of something huge.
As the day went on, I bumped into familiar faces here and there, made new connections, and took really cute selfies with strangers, cos why not? Conversations flowed as I exchanged my thoughts on some of my favorite pieces and ‘the Getlit project’ with other people. One funny moment which felt like it was straight out of a movie scene was when I had finished downloading my thoughts about a particular sculpture to this person, only to realize I was infact, speaking to the artist.
Anyway, somewhere in the middle of appreciating a particularly striking painting of a little girl, I realized my social battery was already running low because I found myself looking for the nearest chair, also because my feet were crying for help in the heels I wore. I found a corner to recharge—both myself and my phone (because, please…priorities).
By the time the event was wrapping up, my feet were screaming, my phone was filled with pictures, and my heart was full. The +234 Art Fair was more than just an exhibition; it was a masterclass, a celebration of artistry, culture, and the magic here in Nigeria. The success of the +234 Art Fair cannot be overemphasized. From the lenses of a simple passerby in this experience, I can tell you that it was a testament to the dedication, passion, and vision of everyone involved—from the organizers to the artists, sponsors, and the incredible art lovers that brought the event to life.
From Soto Gallery for curating such beautiful pieces, to Eco Bank for investing in and reinforcing the power of arts and culture in Nigeria, to the exhibiting artists for sharing their works and creating magic, and finally to the art lovers and collectors for showing up in style and contributing to the success of the Art Fair. It was a blast!
Lagos may be chaotic for real, but when it comes to art, this city knows how to put on a show.
Cheers to more conversations and developments in the arts space.
Till next time, don’t stop creating.
Love,
Fefe.
