Lagos, in West Africa, by virtue of its strategic coastal location, has played very significant roles in human development and modernity. It has for centuries been a hub of economic, political, and artistic activities. Lagos has been a favorite subject of artists, who have depicted its physical and cultural uniqueness variously. This paper examines Lagos generally, and how parts of its history, geography, culture, myths, cosmopolitan nature, the joy and challenges of living in it have inspired artistic production by some of its creative minds.
The study seeks to engage and explain the works of contemporary visual artists such as Ghariokwu Lemi, Emmanuel Ekefrey, Bimbo Adenugba, Dil Humphrey Umezulike, Bolaji Ogunwo, Ayo Owolabi, Taiwo Oye, Kehinde Sanwo, Adekusibe Odunfa, Abiodun Olaku, Lukman Karounwi, Bodun Shodeinde, and Mavua Lessor, in the context of their representation of Lagos. Paintings, sculptures and drawing including Lagos Shitty (2001), Survival of the Fittest (2003), Waiting...