On December 12th, the Yinka Shonibare Foundation hosted its annual Patrons & Alumni Winter Soirée at Autograph, London, celebrating the Spirit of Lagos exhibition, co-curated by Autograph Senior Curator, Bindi Vora, and G.A.S. alumni, Lagos Studio Archives; a curatorial and cultural preservation collective by Karl Ohiri and Riikka Kassinen. Lagos Studio Archives undertook a residency at G.A.S. Lagos in October 2023, for research into the legacy and Archives of Abi Morroco Photos, a pioneering Lagos photographic studio whose striking black-and-white portraits from the 1970s captured the rich style and joyous spirit of a transformative era in Nigeria’s history.
The soirée began with an insightful guided tour of Spirit of Lagos by Bindi Vora, illuminating the exhibition’s compelling portrayal of the work of Abi Morocco Photos, guests were then treated to an engaging walkthrough of Rotimi Fani-Kayode: The Studio – Staging Desire, led by Autograph’s Director, Professor Mark Sealy, offering a reflective lens on Fani-Kayode’s groundbreaking exploration of desire, identity, and self-fashioning. The evening concluded with festive drinks and light refreshments, fostering meaningful dialogue between patrons, trustees, and alumni, alongside the Foundation's Founder, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. This gathering exemplified the collaborative spirit underpinning our residencies, championing art as a vehicle for critical reflection and cultural exchange.
