The Making of an African Capital of Culture; Lagos Biennial I–V
The Lagos Biennial proudly presents its long-anticipated publication, a landmark volume chronicling the last four editions of the Biennial, alongside curatorial reflections from the forthcoming 2026 edition.
With its title taken from Bisi Silva’s 2017 essay, Lagos: The making of an African Capital of Culture, this architecturally conceived book invites readers to explore groundbreaking artistic interventions staged across Lagos’ iconic colonial and post-independence sites, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation (2017), Independence House (2019), and Tafawa Balewa Square (2021 & 2024). It offers a powerful narrative of how artists from Africa and across the world continue to engage, shape, and inhabit these evolving urban spaces, while denoting the internationality of Lagos.
Featuring contributions from 161 international artists, the publication captures the vibrancy and complexity of contemporary artistic discourse within historically charged environments. Housed in a sculptural concrete case modelled after the façade of Tafawa Balewa Square—the symbolic site of Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960—the book transcends conventional publishing. It is not merely a coffee table book; it is the coffee table.
The 55cm/36cm, 7-kilogram hand-cast sculpture and publication will officially launch on November 4, 2025, at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary (October 1, 1960). A strictly limited edition of 65 copies is in production, with 50 copies available to the public as part of the Lagos Biennial's fundraising campaign. All proceeds will go towards developing and constructing the Lagos Biennial’s new home: Àkéte Collection - Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Lagos.
Contributors: Bisi Silva, Antawan Byrd, Tosin Oshinowo, Oyindamola Faithful, Yinka Elujoba, Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh, KJ Abudu, Jareh Das, Kelvin Haizel, Aduke Gomez, Kathryn Weir, Sarah Rifky, Chinyere Obieze, Sam Hopkins, Furen Dai, Jeanne Schultz, and Folakunle Oshun. Foreword by Supo Shasore SAN.
A paperback edition of the publication will be released for purchase in October 2028.
Editor: Folakunle Oshun
Design: Kieron Lewis
Copy editing: Julia Breinbauer, Sabrina Roman, and Lisa Ness
For inquiries and pre-orders, visit www.lagos-biennial.org / publication@lagos-biennial.org
