ART X Lagos: Curator Ugoma Adegoke Presents Nigeria’s Thriving Art Scene

A participant in ART X Lagos since its beginning, Adegoke will be presenting contemporary and modern pieces within two sections of the fair. She will also showcase the work of Rom Isichei and Raji Babatunde at the salon and studio Bloom Art.

Adegoke shared with us what she’s look forward to showing, seeing, and doing, in and around the fair.

WHITEWALL: Can you tell us about what Bloom Art’s will present at ART X Lagos 2019?

UGOMA ADEGOKE: Bloom Art will be presenting works sectioned into two sections. For contemporary art, we’ll feature works by Kainebi Osahenye, Olufemi Oyewole, Soji Adesina, Tega Akpokona, and Adeyinka Akingbade. Each artist is exploring a unique visual language in their various works.

In the Modern section, we will be showcasing limited-edition prints of works created in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s by the great and highly celebrated Uche Okeke; paintings, particularly some large-scale works by veteran Oshogbo artist, Muraina Oyelami; and a selection of drawings and paintings by acclaimed teacher, poet, and revolutionary artist, Obiora Udechukwu.

WW: You have participated in ART X Lagos since its first edition. Can you tell us about how you’ve seen the fair evolve?

UA: In the last four years, it’s been quite exciting seeing more people drawn to the fair to experience African art in Lagos. Over the years, the fair has enjoyed participation from more galleries, along with more exciting talks, and experimental presentations being included in the program. All of this has enhanced and provided an immersive cultural educational experience for all—participants and visitors alike.

WW: How would you describe the mission of Bloom Art?

UA: The mission of Bloom Art is really quite simple: to expose to a diverse audience the best art and stories from Africa—particularly Nigeria—that are explore and push the boundaries of visual expression in the African art scene.

WW: Is there a connection or shared thread between the artists represented by the gallery?

UA: Each artist is as unique as his or her execution. However, the shared connection among them all, is their distinct visual language in communicating their themes of interest.

WW: How would you describe the contemporary art scene in Lagos?

UA: Words like bubbly, energetic, bold, and agitational come to mind. Beyond art, Lagos is one of the most famous cities in the world for a reason, and this is because of its progressive growth in spite of the many challenges in Nigeria. By the day, new artists are emerging and being identified in the space, and new programs are being championed by cultural and art producers. Lagos has gained more involvement from its locale while continuing to attract international personalities to experience its art scene.

WW: What will Bloom Art be showing during the week of ART X Lagos at its salon and studio?

UA: At the Bloom Art salon and studio, a much anticipated exhibition of paper works by a local contemporary favorite, Rom Isichei, will be on display. We will also have a lovely boutique selection of recent portraits by the young emerging artist, Raji BAbatunde.

WW: Outside of the fair, what are you looking forward to seeing and doing this week in Lagos?

UA: Meeting and forging connections with new people with shared ideals and passion for the arts, and simply basking in other beautiful aspects of the arts that Lagos has to offer, such as poetry, jazz, and classical music. I also look forward to taking a second look at some of the great art exhibitions currently on as well as revisiting the Lagos Biennial main exhibition.