On Sunday 23rd April distinguished guests and connoisseurs from Lagos’ buzzing arts ecosystem gathered at Guest Artists Space Foundation for an evening celebrating international creativity and culture.
The special moment was generously organised and facilitated by creative entrepreneur, cultural curator and founder of BLOOM Art, Ugoma Ebilah and offered visitors the opportunity to get an intimate glimpse into the practice of current G.A.S. residents Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Laeïla Ajovi, Chiizii, and Tobi Onabolu.
Following an open address and presentations from the resident artists who, though currently convened in Lagos, are typically based across Benin, the US and the UK, guests were taken on tours of the impressive G.A.S. Lagos building. The structure set across four floors was designed by British-Ghanaian architect Elsie Owusu in collaboration with Nigerian architect Nihinlola Shonibare and includes a library, live/work units for the residents, a studio/events space, and courtyard where a jazz trio entertained the small crowd throughout the evening.
Meanwhile, the dynamic studio spaces showcasing evolving sketches, collages and paintings by practitioners Laeïla Adjovi and Chiizii proved to be a popular gathering point for conversation and networking and allowed the artists to meet some of the most important professionals and tastemakers working and living in Lagos.
The Foundation itself is a Nigerian non-profit dedicated to facilitating international cultural exchange and developing creative and research practices through residencies and collaborations. It was established in 2019 by British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare and an esteemed board of Directors.
In her role as Founding Director and Chief Curator at BLOOM Art, Ebilah has curated and produced exhibitions with some of the most exciting and accomplished modern and contemporary artists including Muraina Oyelami, Tam Fiofori, Marcia Kure, Uchay Joel Chima, Lemi Ghariokwu, Gbenga Offo, Victor Ehikhamenor, Angela Isiuwe, Rom Isichei, Olu Ajayi and Tega Akpokona. She has also executed the biggest private secondary market art sale in Nigeria to date.
