Nigerian photography stands as a dynamic and vibrant facet of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. It carries diverse narratives, reflecting the nation’s history, traditions, and contemporary realities. Rooted in a fusion of indigenous artistry and global influences, Nigerian photography has evolved into a powerful means of storytelling, social commentary, and artistic expression. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) pays a distinguished tribute to Nigerian photography, acknowledging its profound cultural significance and artistic merit. This recognition is personified by the display of the photographs of Logo Oluwamuyiwa, born in 1990, who invites us to a trip across Lagos and its diversity. As part of the New Photography 2023 exhibition, Logo wanders through Lagos, on a bike, a taxi, or on foot. His photographs are dark and powerful and give us a unique insight on life there, allowing us to develop new perceptions and encounters. “Hazy II” and “Intent to Fish” are two examples of a strong composition. “Hazy II” shows a person walking underneath a high motorway: a marginal? a left out? a tramp? we don’t know and are left with the questions. “Intent to Fish” shows a traditional fisherman, preparing his gear before going to work. We expect the next move to be a more traditional picture of a fisherman, throwing his net, in the hope of catching some fish. Lagos, like New York City, are world cities, full of mysteries, issues, constraints, but also full of life. Photographs from Lagos are refreshing and give us more than what we know about this major African city. People live, love, smile, cry, work there, like everywhere else. And it took a local person to show us that, and MoMA to feature this artist in the Big Apple.
