Parts of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, have been transformed into an outdoor art gallery with the city’s first street art festival. The artwork is on display on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, a busy street in Victoria Island.
Lagos Street Art Festival Brings Art to the Community
One of the featured artists, Ashaolu Oluwafemi, said the festival brings art “to the people and the community,” noting that many residents don’t have opportunities to visit exhibitions.
Oluwafemi, who was born and raised in Lagos, explained that the artists are telling the story of the city and its growth. “You have to be wise and strong and brilliant to make it out of Lagos,” he said.
Although Lagos is known for its vibrant arts scene, nightlife and creativity, street art is relatively unknown. Painter Ernest Ibe told AFP news agency, “The visibility is not too strong compared to other African nations,” but added that the country is evolving and beginning to understand the impact of social murals.
Babalola Oluwafemi, an artist who traveled from Amsterdam, painted a mural depicting the joy of Lagos life. “This woman is expressing herself. She’s so excited about her life in Lagos,” he said, adding that people have responded positively to the artwork.
The festival, which opened on Wednesday, will continue until Monday, December 15, and the murals will remain in place afterward.
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