LagosPhoto 2023

LagosPhoto Festival 14th edition, themed “Ground State – Fellowship Within the Uncanny”, a foray into the conversations of restitution, putrefaction and restoration, with a focus on examining the profound impact centuries of extractive practices have had on our environment and exploring ways to address the resulting consequences. For the first time in history, LagosPhoto Festival happened in two locations: Lagos and the Republic of Benin (Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo). This new direction follows Benin’s activation as a hub for art and culture, in line with the establishment of the Arts and Culture Development Agency in 2020 by the Benin government, which has placed the country on the global art map. LagosPhoto Festival showcasing in Benin opens a doorway to a platform to embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and build bridges across nations, and allows for a deeper exploration of the rich artistic heritage in places all around the world. “Ground State – Fellowship Within the Uncanny” invites audiences to delve into the present moment, to reflect upon the urgent need for repair, synchronisation, restitution, and restoration. With rising temperatures and the stark reality of water wars before us, it is imperative that we address these pressing issues through the initiation of conversations surrounding them, guided by the images exhibited at the festival. This year’s edition is curated by Peggy Sue Amison @psamison with support from the LagosPhoto curatorial team.