Lagos, Peckham, Repeat: Pilgrimage to the Lakes
“There’s no pilgrim, no migrant that is here on vacation.” That’s co-curator Folakunle Oshun succinctly explaining one of the obvious issues with migration that, sadly, is far too often ignored. Alas, most of the rest of what he said was practically inaudible thanks to the sounds of Lagos traffic and street noise that Emeka Ogboh recorded for the exhibition. So, not much different than trying to have a quiet conversation as you walk through the streets of Little Lagos. Or as it’s officially listed on the map: Peckham. Home to one of the largest Nigerian communities in the UK.
This exhibition of work by thirteen Nigerian and British-Nigerian artists explores “the complexities of shifting notions of home and identity” and is likely to subvert some expectations as well. Recent years have seen many diaspora shows overtly address migration, racism and colonialism. And while those topics are touched upon, the overall goal of the show is not an attempt to rebalance historical narratives but a celebration of Nigerian heritage and the experience of adapting to life in the UK.
But let’s begin with Lagos. It’s Nigeria’s largest city, except you wouldn’t know it from Christopher Obuh’s photos showing a mostly empty expanse of seaside sand the government reclaimed to develop the new city of Lagos State. It looks like an abandoned project, with two lonely cranes providing a stark contrast to the ever changing London skyline that is filled with them. There’s also no people in these photos, which I find curious since Lagos is the fourth most populous city in the world. It’s certainly one of the most colourfully dressed, as evidenced by the bold patterns seen in the decaying film negatives and prints made from reclaimed studio portraits that date back to the 70s. To my Western eyes it appears that everyone was on their way to a special occasion, and I wonder if any of those individuals might be living in the UK today. They would certainly stand out with that colourful garb. And what’s wrong with that? It’s boring to blend in.
Yinka Shonibare exploits that idea in his photo series imagining a Black Victorian dandy, and Temitayo Shonibare wears a strawberry blond wig that completely covers her face while she rides the London Overground. Idly she sits stroking the hair, and no one gives her more than a cursory glance. It’s London, luv, we’ve seen it all before. These and other works in the Main Gallery make bold statements about Nigerian and British cultures, with often amusing observations about the ways in which they clash. But across the road in the Fire Station galleries you’ll begin to see how those cultures have settled down with each other, having clearly overcome any initial awkward introductions.
Adeyemi Michael invites you in like an old friend who wants to tell a tale about his mum. Flop down into the super comfy arm chairs from his childhood living room (yes, you can) and if you’ve brought the kids send them down to climb on Temitayo Ogunbiyi’s sculptural playground (yes, they can). Meanwhile, Seyi Adelekun, and Abdulrazaq Awofeso contemplate the environment and population growth. These smaller galleries may be filled with Nigerian flavours, but the works address universal concerns.
In 1960, almost 100 years after it was declared a colony, Nigeria gained independence from Britain. Long-standing ties, combined with periods of economic crisis and civil unrest, led to waves of migration that initially found a home in Peckham, and that continues to this day. Those who move in search of a better life never leave everything behind, and what they bring with them often has more of an impact on their new destination than the other way round. When enough emigres settle in the same location, once distant lands become linked. Lagos. Peckham. Repeat.
Plan your visit
‘Lagos, Peckham, Repeat: Pilgrimage to the Lakes’ runs until 29 Oct.
Visit southlondongallery.org and follow @southlondongallery on Instagram for more info about the venue.
🖼️ Want more art? Visit the What’s On page to see a list of recommended shows, sorted by closing date. Don’t miss ‘em!