Check Out Africa-based ART X Lagos 2020 Online on 2 – 9 December
By Lifestyle+Travel
Since 2016, ART x Lagos has been a cornerstone of the African art scene, as well as the first of its kind in West Africa. Over 30,000 visitors, from art collectors, art patrons, scholars, to critics and more, have traveled from all over the globe to visit this cutting-edge art fair. The fair has also hosted delegations from leading global art institutions. The growth of the scene is undoubtedly indicators of Lagos’ position as a fast-emerging and exciting cultural hub.
As this year has given most people a reason to reflect and pivot, these galleries represent the resilience and creativity of the African continent. Visitors to the online fair via ARTXLAGOS.COM will be able to explore 200 works from leading artists offering up new perspectives on histories grounded in Africa and its people.
BLOOM ART LAGOS
Lagos, Nigeria
Currently a unique fusion of an art gallery and private studio, Bloom Art Lagos offers intimate exhibitions in an accessible format that is supported by coveted ancillary programming, tailored to each exhibition. Inspired by a desire for innovative approaches to showcasing and challenging Nigerian artists, the gallery offers pointed perspectives on contemporary visual art, connecting it to significant cultural precedents.
Featured Artists: Angela Amami Isiuwe, Gbenga Offo, Olu Ajayi, Richardson Ovbiebo and Uchay Joel Chilma.
ED CROSS FINE ART
London, UK
Ed Cross Fine Art collaborates with emerging and established artists on the African continent and its Diaspora, seeking to stage conversations between practitioners and international audiences, as guided by its artists. The exhibition platform seeks to amplify voices historically silenced, and to create space for their independent development.
Featured Artists: Abe Odedina, Tiffanie Delune and Wole Lagunju.
GALERIE CÉCILE FAKHOURY
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Opening its doors in 2012, Galerie Cécile Fakhoury had by 2018 expanded to Dakar, Senegal, and Paris, France. Strongly rooted in their respective identities and stories, the artists it represents distinguish themselves through the use of a language that abolishes barriers and rejects geographical stigmatisation.
Featured Artists: Aboudia, François Xavier Gbré, Ouattara Watts, Roméo Mivekannin and Sadikou Oukpedjo.
GALERIE MAM
Doula, Cameroon
With nearly 25 years of experience and a strong professional reputation in the art market, Galerie MAM continues to offer exciting programs to its collectors and art lovers, in addition to providing advisory and logistics services. The gallery plays a significant part in the promotion of contemporary African art offering a robust program with a diverse catalogue of works.
Featured Artists: Bernard Matussière, Boris Nzebo and Claudie Poinsard.
Kó
Lagos, Nigeria
In Yoruba, kó translates as a verb meaning ‘to gather’ or ‘to build’. The art space is dedicated to promoting modern and contemporary art with a dual focus on championing Nigeria’s leading artists from the modern period and celebrating emerging and established contemporary artists across Africa and the Diaspora. It aims to support the visual arts in Africa by providing a platform to communicate, share and grow.
Featured Artists: Ben Osawe, Chike Obeagu, Chioma Ebinama, Isaac Emokpae, Toyin Loye and Uzo Egonu.
LOUISIMONE GUIRANDOU GALLERY
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
LouiSimone Guirandou Gallery was formed from pioneering gallery Arts Pluriels, one of the first traditional and contemporary art galleries in Africa. Through an eclectic program featuring local and international artists, it has established itself as an essential reference on the African cultural landscape.
Featured Artists: Ablade Glover, Nù Barreto and Sess Essoh.
NIKE ART GALLERY
Lagos, Nigeria
Nike Art Gallery is one of the largest privately owned galleries in Africa, showcasing over 10,000 artworks from over 2,000 African artists. The Lagos based gallery is a tourist attraction in the city with guests from across the world visiting for an immersive experience that includes viewing visual art and participating in traditional textile printing, food and musical performances.
Featured Artists: Chidi Kwubiri, Kunle Adegborioye, Nyemike Onwuka, Rom Isichei, Samson Akinnire, Segun Phillips, and Nike Okundaye & Tola Wewe.
NUBUKE FOUNDATION
Accra, Ghana
Nubuke Foundation is a visual art and cultural institution that serves as a nexus and support for the artistic practice of Ghanaian artists at various stages of their careers. Its artistic programming includes exhibitions, readings, talks, film screenings, performances, seminars and workshops in its newly opened bespoke multi-tiered gallery.
Featured Artists: Jonathan Aggrey, Kofi Setordji and Rufai Zakari.
OOA GALLERY
Barcelona, Spain
Located in the seaside resort town of Stiges, OOA Gallery promotes contemporary African art among its collectors and art lovers in Spain, Europe, providing added visibility to the creativity and contemporary artistic diversity of Africa.
Strongly rooted in their respective identities and stories, the artists it represents distinguish themselves by their creative freedom and the originality of their fluid visual languages.
Featured Artists: Anjel (Boris Anje), Bob-Nosa Uwagboe, Bodo Fils BBM, Evans Mbugua and Prince Galla Gnohité.
SMO CONTEMPORARY ART
Lagos, Nigeria
SMO Contemporary Art (SMO) is an international art platform, showcasing a unique portfolio of modern and contemporary art from Africa and the Diaspora to a global audience. It is dedicated to artists of all generations who have been instrumental in shaping West Africa’s contemporary art canon, and those who became crucial in establishing a unique narrative about the continent.
Featured Artists: Angèle Etoundi Essamba, Moufouli Bello and Olumide Onadipe.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Discovering A Lifestyle Destination
Discover the newest landmark in Bangkok through the launch of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store, a true lifestyle destination for discerning travelers. The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store in One Bangkok's new retail zone, The Storeys, marks a significant milestone for both the iconic brand and this landmark destination in Bangkok. Spanning an impressive 550 sq.m. with a distinctive duplex design, the Lifestyle Store offers a refined blend of elegance and cultural touch. Its stylish, contemporary layout creates an experiential shopping journey, combining retail, dining, and cultural heritage. The spectacular event started with the arrivals of guests, including top executives from One Bangkok, Thai Airways, Central Group, Siam Piwat, EmQuartier, and top luxury hotels. Dignitaries such as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and ambassadors from the United States, France, and Germany also attended, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable Thai celebrities, including Anntonia Porsild, 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe 2023, Kamonwarai ‘Pailiu’ Prajakrattanakul, and actors from Studio Wabi Sabi — Katsamonnat ‘Earth’ Namwirote, Tharathorn 'Oat' Phumpothingam, Methaphat ‘Tonliew’ Chimkul, and Saranvut ‘Pie’ Nittayasuthi. The elegant yet contemporary fashion show, titled Bangkok Dreaming, embodied the essence of the brand in high style. Showcasing a collection of 42 captivating looks, the runway featured renowned Thai models, including Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 Aniporn ‘Nat’ Chalermburanawong, and top models Cindy Sirinya Bishop and Apasiri Nitibhon. The styling reflected a journey through contemporary Thai lifestyles, with casualwear inspired by quintessential Thai settings, from tranquil beaches to the vibrant streets of Yaowarat’s Chinatown. The event also marked the launch of the AQUASILK collection, the brand’s debut in men’s swimwear. At the launch event, guests explored an extensive range of Jim Thompson products, savored delicious Thai bites from Jim’s Terrace – the brand’s first integrated F&B outlet – and enjoyed the Silk Exhibition, which showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of Jim Thompson’s renowned silk products. Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store is located at One Bangkok, G Floor, The Storeys.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Strength Within
Moving forward relentlessly is the way. To maintain steady business growth in Thailand, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has strengthened its leadership team by promoting OMD Thailand’s Managing Director, Jinnarat Sampuntharat, to Chief Operating Officer of OMG Thailand. She will collaborate with the OMG Thailand executive team, including CEO Rochelle Chhaya and CFO Noppadol Vetvoranich, to guide the business in one of the most dynamic markets in APAC. In line with this, Rerngrith Jindaporn has been appointed to drive the agency’s growth, operational efficiency, client relationships, and new business opportunities as General Manager of OMD Thailand. Additionally, to scale its insights and marcomms capabilities, Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr has been given broader responsibilities as Head of Insights and Marcomms for OMG Thailand. These strategic changes, part of OMG Thailand’s commitment to growth and excellence, reflect the network’s dedication to building a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team. This also establishes a solid foundation for OMG Thailand to continue helping clients navigate the evolving media landscape while delivering impactful business results and growth opportunities. OMG Thailand’s strengthened leadership team now includes: Rochelle Chhaya, CEO, OMG Thailand Jinnarat Sampuntharat, COO, OMG Thailand Rerngrith Jindaporn, General Manager, OMD Thailand Nuvee Pongsathidporn, Managing Director, PHD Thailand Chaivut Eiamvuthikorn, General Manager, PHD Thailand Noppadol Vetvoranich, CFO, OMG Thailand Nannapat Chotrattanakarn, Head of Trading and Investment Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr, Ph.D., Head of Insights and Marcomms Waridda Burapathana, Head of People “OMG Thailand has witnessed great success over the past few years, with our digital capabilities and client relationships growing from strength to strength. This new leadership team is highly talented, and this structure provides a cornerstone for OMG Thailand to build upon, creating future-facing solutions for our clients,” said Rochelle Chhaya, CEO, Omnicom Media Group Thailand.