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Just before 2018 wrapped up for me, I decided to check the Nike Art Gallery box off my bucket list of 'places to visit in Lagos'. I spoke to few of my friends I thought might be interested in coming and two gave me their words, which was enough for me. We decided on a convenient date and time for the trip .

So on Saturday 15th December 2018, we set out from our various locations on the mainland to meet at the CMS bus stop. When the three of us had gotten there, we boarded a bus to Lekki and about 18 minutes later, we reached our drop off point where the gallery is located (Ikate 3rd roundabout, lekki-epe expressway). Looking towards the right on the other side of the express was the Nike art gallery road where the building stood out, a white storey building which looks like a typical Santorini, Greece architecture. We walked down to the gallery which took less than 3 minutes.

<Screenshot of the gallery on Google maps>

lalasticlala

Right from the exterior of the building, we were greeted with several sculptures which extended further inside and around the gallery's premises.


<Right outside the gallery's building>


<Entrance of the building>

On getting inside main gallery, we were stunned by the glory of numerous art displayed there.
Right from the ground floor up to the last fourth floor of the building (which is visible from the design of the gallery) was art and the sight was overwhelming ❤️.

The lady at the reception welcomed us and gave us a very short information about the gallery and rules to keep while inside, which includes:

-Entry is free

-Gallery is open everyday of the week (7/7) from 10am-6pm

-The gallery boasts of 8000+ art works, making it the biggest in West Africa.

-No professional camera

-Every piece of artwork displayed is for sale

-Taking pictures of the art displays isn't permitted unless one is in the picture.

-Feel free and have fun

Confused on which floor or where to begin with, we initially went different ways, walking around to view displays that appealed to our eyes. We rejoined after our individual sojourns to take pictures and view the rest of the gallery together.

There was breathtaking art everywhere, literally everywhere !

The collection is so massive (8000+) that they can't all be displayed in the massive four storey building of the gallery. This makes some art works stacked and stored away in some rooms.

The display boasts of various forms of paintings such as water color, pencil and ink on paper, acrylic painting, etc.



I also spotted a couple display of realism, constructivism Impressionism, surrealism and a host of other forms of art I couldn't accurately identify. And it's a proud thing to say they're all 100% original works by Nigerian artists.

To reiterate how rich the gallery is in terms of collections, various works on display are regularly replaced by the ones stored/new ones to give visitors a different experience of the sanctuary everytime they visit.

Nike Art gallery is owned by the incredibly talented chief Mrs Nike Davies Okundaye, a 68 year old renowned artist and fashion designer who has dedicated her life to telling the African story through her works. I remember reading about how Mrs Okundaye didn't receive much formal art education growing up after she dropped out of school due to lack of funds to support her education. She still defied all odds to carve a niche for herself and today she is globally recognised for her efforts. She has been featured on several documentaries on CNN, CNBC, Al-Jazeera, etc and even lectured in the prestigious Harvard University.



<Chief Mrs Nike>

We had the rare privilege to take a picture with Mrs Nike after bumping into her while we were lost in her world of exhibitionism.
Mama is known for her unique head gears and assorted African wears she's always donning. We were a bit bummed she wasn't on her 'gele' today but meeting this legend was enough for us today.

Onyedika007

Going through the gallery and admiring the incredible displays, I thought these works won't go for cheap so I went on www.nikeart.com to confirm my guess.

You now have the link, check it yaself .

Since we couldn't afford them, we decided to at least have fun and take pishures .



We weren't able to take enough pictures because almost every art we saw held our gaze, speaking the rich African lifestyle and culture to our minds.

The gallery pays alot of homage to Lagos through various visuals depicting the typical daily life of Lagosians.

We were so fascinated by the place that we didn't realise we've been inside the gallery for almost four hours (lol). And it was time to go.



Reluctantly, we had to leave the haven with a mutually agreed plan of a revisit .

Before we left the premises, we couldn't resist taking a few more shots outside the gallery where the café is situated with a couple of interesting displays.

We departed and took a returning bus back to CMS and from there, boarded different buses back to our various destinations.

Visiting the Nike Art Gallery promises an unforgettable experience for any art lover. Personally, the visit made me appreciate art more and feel proud of being African.
There are a couple of other galleries on the island and I intend to visit some of them too.

I hope to kick start this 2019, checking off more places off my bucket list beginning with a full day's trip to the Lekki Conservation Center in a few weeks .


Cc lalasticlala Dominique mynd44 seun explorers
Amakavula

While at it, you can read about my other trips below;


1. Hiking through the Snake Island:

https://www.nairaland.com/5256746/hiking-experience-snake-island

2. Lekki conservation center (LCC):
https://20somethingsteps.travel.blog/2019/12/25/about-our-trip-to-the-lekki-conservation-center-lcc/



3. Nike art gallery :
https://20somethingsteps.travel.blog/2019/12/18/everything-art-about-our-visit-to-the-nike-art-gallery/


4. Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Ikeja:
https://20somethingsteps.travel.blog/2019/12/24/a-visit-to-johnson-jakande-tinubu-jjt-recreational-park/


5 Freedom Park: (formerly Her Majesty's Broad Street Prison) :
https://20somethingsteps.travel.blog/2019/12/09/prison-to-park-a-solo-trip-to-freedom-park-formerly-her-majestys-broad-street-prison/

6. Tarkwa Bay Beach:
https://20somethingsteps.travel.blog/2019/12/24/sand-water-and-fun-a-day-at-tarkwa-bay-beach/

And follow us on
IG: @20somethingsteps

and visit our blog: https://20somethingsteps.travel.blog/ to read other about other trips follow up on future ones.

We made a video of our trip. Please watch, like and subscribe to our page


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2d4RDXONX4

Ciao

Cc: Explorers , lalasticlala , Dominique , Mynd44 ,DisGuy , justwise , erad , prof800

This is breathtaking (for me).
African art is rich and captivating.
I will surely pay a visit this year by God's grace

God bless the legendary woman

That's interesting. I love tourism

nonye6194:
Just before 2018 wrapped up for me, I decided to check the Nike Art Gallery box off my bucket list of 'places to visit in Lagos'. I spoke to few of my friends I thought might be interested in coming and two gave me their words, which was enough for me. We decided on a convenient date and time for the trip .


Lalasticlala

Lalasticlala see front page material. There's no snake here but educational

It's such a nice place

I will visit there soon.

I see pre wedding photos, nice couple

It's neat

God bless your handwork! please who can help with age rough sketch of a photo studio, am in OYO state! I'll send you any amount you want!

Wow! This lovely!

Meanwhile Op that babe by your side is my old time friend, can I have her number?

THe babe go well sha! Money man is here

It deserves more visitors.