The bad news of the grid lock on almost every major road in Lagos didn’t put culture lovers off yesterday’s event. And their dedication was met with the most conducive travel as it often happens on Saturdays.

Art X Lagos fair opened at 10am yesterday and things picked up right where we left off on Friday. But the major highlights from yesterday were Karo Akpokiere’s massive colouring wall which features beautifully coloured letterings with messages that speak to a more unified society (Lagos) without all the classism and inequality that currently run the day.

There was also the Art X Talks that covered topics (and interesting debates) ranging from arts in the creative economy to women (in) visibility in the arts.

Wana Udobang and Bukola Oye of Art Forum Africa, true to their past track record, moderated a most interesting panel about the art collectors and their role in the arts eco-system. It was easy to tell that we were in for the best time the moment the panelists were introduced – Mr. Moses, a manager/curator was pitched against two collectors- Ifeoma Fafunwa and Ngozi Edozien.

Did you say heated? Right on the money! Sure enough, we found ourselves in some uncomfortable situations. For example, when the two female collectors declared they didn’t have any female artists’ works in their collections for various reasons (Ngozi Edozien later recalled she has a few Nike Okundares).  Another was when Ifeoma Fafunwa canvassed an argument for Nigerian artifacts (historical pieces –an inside joke attendees will remember for long) to remain in foreign custody and not be brought back until we have an appreciation for their value beyond spiritual items of traditional worship.

But it was an enlightening engagement and Ifeoma Fafunwa had endless jokes to douse any tensions.

Art X Life

Olatunde Alara’s Something Sinister which he started on Day 1 got sold already! And Stacey Okparavero finished her experimental piece that features two of her previous works around midday yesterday.

While Uthman Wahaab continues to engage fair visitors with his massive fat women pot pourri (another experimental mixture drawing from on a series he’s been working on since 2009), Osi Itegboje takes Olatunde Alara’s spot to start his Live work. Yadichinma Ukoha -Kalu also started her Art X Live piece, “Other Worldly’; a combination of fluid and solid structures that already promises a burst of colour.

Besides seeing these Art X Live pieces finished, today we look forward to experiencing the joy of Intersections, curated by Fatherland Music. Intersections will feature live art and live music. At the same time!

You should not have to only imagine how much fun today’s fair finale will be.

Art X Lagos continues (and closes today at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos).