Platform is a group exhibition that explores the confluence of art, fashion and design. Conceived as a pop-up concept space, Platform includes twenty-one artists working across multiple disciplines including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video, collage, clothing, textiles, jewelry and furniture.

With a focus on expanded practices outside of the traditional confines of the gallery walls, this exhibition reflects creative innovations and contemporary sensibilities of an emerging generation in Africa and the diaspora today. Platform includes artists working in Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, UK, Lebanon, and Canada. This exhibition will include an installation by Nigerian designer Ada Umeofia comprising a bookstore and reading area that features recent publications of contemporary art. London-based furniture designer Yinka Ilori presents an eclectic mix of altered furniture built from second hand products, while jewelry designers Malaika Najem and Chichi Echere showcase their newest unique pieces. The fashion label I.AM.ISIGO will produce an installation from their womenswear collections and functional design products, and menswear designers Maxivive, Tokyo James, and Tzar Studios reflect on the inspirations behind their creations. Nigerian artists Kadara Enyeasi and Obinna Makata experiment in collage and the overlapping imagery of contemporary life, while John Madu, Lateef Olajumoke, and Chibuike Uzoma explore emotional intensities in contemporary painting. Lens based practices include video art by performance artist Tito Aderemi-Ibitola and staged photographs by Chinenye Godsproperty John. New tendencies in drawing are illustrated by Oluseye’s geometric portraits of Yoruba identity and Obiageli Okigbo’s symbolic canvases that mesh time periods and cultures. Sculptor Olamide Onadipe creates sculptures using plastic bags that form a delicate balance and form, while Dennis Osadebe adopts a hybrid practice of digital techniques with acrylic painting in bright, colorful canvases. Work by Togolese artist Sadikou Oukpedjo and Ivorian artist Yéanzi further speak to regional art communities in conversation with their contemporaries in Lagos.

Participating artists:

Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola, Chichi, Kadara Enyeasi, I.AM.ISIGO, Yinka Ilori, Tokyo James, Chinenye Godsproperty John, John Madu, Obinna Makata, Maxivive, Malaika Najem, Oluseye Ogunlesi, Obiageli Okigbo, Lateef Olajumoke, Olumide Onadipe, Dennis Osadebe, Sadikou Oukpedjo, Tzar Studios, Ada Umeofia, Chibuike Uzoma, Yeanzi

Platform info