Parts of Nigeria's biggest city, Lagos, have been transformed into an open-air gallery with the launch of the first street art festival in the city. The event aims to make art accessible to everyone, moving it outside the confines of traditional galleries and museums.
We believe art shouldn't be confined to galleries and museums, stated Osa Okunkpolor, known as Osa Seven, a Nigerian graffiti artist and one of the festival's founders. Public art allows people to interact with creativity in their everyday environment. It's about giving hope and showing what art can do to shape society, he added.
The festival, which kicked off on Wednesday and will last until December 15, displays numerous artworks across the bustling Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue in Victoria Island, one of the key districts in Lagos. Artists from Nigeria and abroad, including Babalola Oluwafemi who traveled from the UK, participated in the event to celebrate the vibrant culture of Lagos.
While Lagos is already known for its lively arts scene and nightlife, street art has remained relatively underappreciated. Painter Ernest Ibe remarked, The visibility is not too strong compared to other African nations, but we're evolving as we start recognizing the social impact of murals in our environment.
Many murals embody themes of joy and communal resilience, with artists expressing sentiments of happiness and pride through their works. Lagos is a place where we have joy, remarked artist Ashaolu Oluwafemi, emphasizing the connection between art and the daily experiences of Lagosians.
The festival not only showcases the growing talent among local artists but also emphasizes communal interaction and cultural expression, turning Lagos into a hub of creativity for both residents and visitors.
