Find a Haven
With its sights set on becoming one of Nigeria’s top five galleries in the next five years, a Lagos-based art space has big plans for its creative protégés. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
Here is one fact that immediately jumps at the interviewer during a recent WhatsApp chat with the young woman, who identifies herself as Tobi Nancy Keshinro: Her gallery, NK Art Space, seems to be the go-to place—a virtual hip hangout, perhaps—for rising talents and artists who don’t always get the spotlight. “It aims to bridge the gap between artists and art lovers, promoting diversity and fostering creative expression within the local art scene,” the twenty-something-year-old further explains.
Indeed, the virtual art space has been intentional about its purpose to provide opportunities and exposure to up-and-coming artists, as evidenced by the five exhibitions it has hosted since its founding in June 2021—exhibitions that its founder Keshinro describes as “a great success,” while stressing: “The gallery believes in supporting and nurturing young artists who may not have had as many opportunities to exhibit their work in more traditional art spaces.
“The relationship with the artists is one of mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support, with the gallery providing a platform for them to showcase their creativity and grow as artists. This dynamic allows for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to be shared with the broader community.”
Keshinro’s identification as a “self-taught” artist is belied by her early predilection for the visual arts, which was already evident during her secondary school years. This is in addition to her subsequent training at a professional artist’s studio. However, after a five-year absence that saw the National Open University, Lagos, economics graduate take a diversion into modelling, she returned to painting in 2020, amidst the pandemic.
With the establishment of her art space, NK—whose name was composed from the first letters of her middle name, Nancy, and her surname, Keshinro—her aim broadened to project the image of her fellow artists on the global stage. “We want the world to see how talented, smart, creative, hardworking, and inspiring African artists are and can be.”
Through the gallery, up-and-coming artists like Ernest Nkwocha, Peter Idoko, Jekein Lato-Unah, Chukz Okonkwo, Kelani Fatai, Stephanie Unaeze, Yakno-Abasi Ene, Unyime Edet, and Segun Okewumi, among others, have been featured alongside more established ones like Segun Aiyesan and Steve Ekpenisi. But the art space is not just dedicated to promoting up-and-coming visual artists; it is also dedicated to expert artisans who make unique handmade crafts.
In addition to its proclaimed aim to support emerging artists, NK Art Space also strives to create a diverse and lively art environment, thus providing a platform for innovative ideas to thrive. The goal, in other words, is to encourage creativity and foster collaboration while promoting artistic growth, innovation, and community involvement. Also, by embracing various viewpoints and pushing boundaries, Keshinro says, it hopes to cultivate a lasting appreciation for contemporary art among its audience.
In the coming five years, NK Space aspires to secure a spot among Nigeria’s top five art galleries, advancing the narrative of contemporary African art. And to the question of whether Lagos needs more art galleries, she replies, “Yes and no.”
Yes, because she believes that Lagos is in dire need of a gallery that will change the structure and dynamics of the art industry’s market. No, because the commercial capital city already has too many galleries doing the same thing. Hence, she recommends more collaboration between galleries rather than the proliferation of different galleries with similar structures.
In any case, the main focus for NK Art Space currently lies in enhancing online interaction with its website, particularly through captivating exhibitions. The expected ripple effects of these innovative exhibitions would be the organisation of such additional events as workshops tied to the exhibitions and the leveraging of social media along with diverse marketing techniques to broaden the gallery’s reach to a larger audience. Additionally, it aims to forge alliances with fellow galleries or art-based entities and cultivate an inviting atmosphere for visitors through top-notch customer service and a cosy ambience for savouring the artworks. “Our aim is to present a revolving programme of well-researched, visually stimulating, and thoughtful exhibitions that would earn the respect and attention of local, national, and internet audiences,” Keshinro clarifies.
Reflecting on the modern Nigerian art realm, she notes its vast evolution and envisions its potential global expansion. She finds the innovative use of materials and mediums fascinating, as it infuses fresh perspectives into traditional forms of expression.
