Lagos Biennale 2024: Art and Innovation
The Lagos Biennial 2024, themed "Refuge," brought together over 80 artists at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square to explore concepts of nation-state, sovereignty, and community through diverse artistic expressions, under the co-direction of Kathryn Weir and Folakunle Oshun.
Theme 'Refuge' Exploration
The concept of "Refuge" served as the thematic cornerstone for the 2024 Lagos Biennial, inviting artists to delve into the complexities of nation-states and the notion of sanctuary in both physical and metaphorical realms. Tafawa Balewa Square, a site steeped in historical significance, provided a poignant backdrop for these explorations, transforming from a colonial racecourse to a symbol of Nigerian independence and cultural celebration. This carefully chosen venue allowed the biennial to challenge traditional exhibition formats and propose alternative models that resonate with contemporary global issues, including:
Political allegiance and sovereignty
Notions of belonging and encounter
Ecological justice in the face of systemic crisis
Reimagining cultural inheritance fifty years after FESTAC '77 and the 6th Pan African Congress
By situating Lagos as an international geopolitical nerve point and artistic hub, the biennial created a speculative space for fabricating alternate realities and critically reflecting on the promises and disappointments of the nation-state model.
Emeka Ogboh // 6°30’33.372”N 3°22’0.66”E
Leadership and Standout Artists
Under the visionary leadership of co-artistic directors Kathryn Weir and Folakunle Oshun, the 2024 Lagos Biennial showcased a diverse array of talent and innovative approaches to art-making. The curatorial team, which included Sarah Rifky and Romi Crawford, emphasised non-conventional exhibition modes that moved beyond traditional art presentations. Standout performances captivated audiences, with notable contributions from:
Emalohi and Zineb Boujema, whose works resonated deeply with viewers
Native Maqari and Keziah Jones, delivering compelling pieces that engaged with local and global narratives
Professor Darlene Blackburn, who re-enacted her FESTAC '77 performance "From Africa to America"
Raymond Pinto, a G.A.S. resident artist whose work left a lasting impression
The biennial also featured thought-provoking discussions with speakers such as Ezekiel Dixon-Román, KJ Abudu, Zoé Samudzi, and Emmanuel Iduma, further enriching the programme and fostering critical dialogue around the theme of "Refuge".
Yussef Agbo-Ola // AIRI- BONE ALTAR // 2024
Challenges and Critiques
Despite its ambitious scope, the 2024 Lagos Biennial faced several challenges, including lower-than-anticipated public engagement and technical issues affecting accessibility. These obstacles highlighted the ongoing struggle to balance revolutionary artistic aspirations with practical considerations.
The event sparked discussions about the role of art biennials in post-colonial African contexts, prompting urgent conversations on the ontology of such events in urban centres. Critics noted a slight feeling of exclusivity, with some perceiving that the art world had "descended upon Lagos to talk to itself for a week".
Lasting Impact
Despite challenges, the 2024 Lagos Biennial left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. Its conceptual fingerprints lingered throughout Lagos, most notably in the 10-day street-cinema programme hosted by the CBN collective near Tafawa Balewa Square. This innovative initiative, which quickly became an after-hours highlight, exemplified the biennial's potential to inspire new ways of thinking and making, both within Nigeria and beyond.
As Lagos continues to assert itself as a global centre for contemporary art, the lessons and inspirations drawn from this year's biennial will undoubtedly shape its cultural future. The event's emphasis on community, collaboration, and critical engagement with pressing global issues has set a new standard for artistic expression in the region, paving the way for future endeavours that challenge conventional practices and foster meaningful dialogue.