THISDAY

Art X to Showcase Africa's Leading Art Masters

- Yinka Olatunbosu­n

For this second edition of the annual internatio­nal art fair, Art X, art enthusiast­s and collectors will converge on the Civic Centre, Victoria Island from November 3 till 5. The three-day event, which is fast becoming a massive art tradition in Lag os features some of the most sought-after artists as well as the emerging artists whose pieces naturally command attention. Galleries will take up space sat the venue, which is open to internatio­nal participan­ts too.

Last year at the debut of theme gas how, Art X saw 65 artists drawn from 10 countries in Africa. These artists paraded works ranging from painting to sculpture as well as illustrati­ons and photograph­y. No fewer than 5000 visitors attended the last edition of the fair which also drew some internatio­nal observers.

Hinging on this success story of its first edition, Art X, created to showcase the best and most innovative contempora­ry art from the African continent and the diaspora will host prestigiou­s galleries such as Art House, The Space, S MO Contempora­ry, Stevenson Gallery (South Africa ), Gallery 1957( Ghana) and Ta fe ta (United Kingdom ), amongst others.

If you are wondering how these galleries were selected for the fair, the answer is that a selection committee usually led by the advisory board members drawn from Nigeria’ s notable art collectors and leading commercial lawyers have ensured that the best pieces are featured.

This edition will also feature cu rated projects and talks programme, cu rated by Miss la Libsek al, an independen­t cultural producer and the founder of“Another Africa ”. In addition, there will be live paintings and music performanc­es.

To ki ni Peter side, Founder, Art X and director o fTP Collective expressed her gratitude for the support and sponsorshi­p received last year and hopes that this edition sustains the same tempo of a spirited art tradition.

“Our debut art fair in 2016 was an exciting and exhilarati­ng experience that validated our decision to create this vital platform for the growth and increased visibility of African artists and galleries ,” she said.

“In just four months' time, we will be opening the doors to the Art X Lag os Art fair and we look forward once again towel coming avast and varied local and internatio­nal audience as we seek to reinforce Lag os’ position as an emergent cultural capital in the continent .”

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