SAO & the Muse, the annual art and fashion fête that’s pretty much cool-kid approved, makes its return to Lagos at Sao Cafe from August 3-5th.
In previous iterations they’ve featured Medina Dugger’s internationally acclaimed on-going series ‘Chroma: An Ode to J.D Ojeikere’ celebrating Nigerian hair culture and styles as a live hair installation; the Yellow of Lagos who uses the colour ‘Yellow’ as a quest to discover the spirit of nationhood; live spray painting a bar by Anti-Design; transforming a junkyard car by PainterAbe and photographers; Niyi Okeowo, Mr. Wentz and Fredrick Archibong and live performances by Kalinè and Show Dem Camp.
The unifying thread that cuts across these diverse mediums and bodies of work? Creativity and expression. It is touted as ‘a celebration of the young people living and working in Lagos who spend their time in their own unique ways, creating.’
Well this year, they are taking it up several notches- with an installation worthy of the digital (and Instagram!) age – Sao & the Muse 3 is inspired by Refinery29’s award winning live immersion experience 29 Rooms – ‘bringing artists of all kinds together to create an experience for each of the rooms’. With unusual collaborations and fashion, modern art, visual media and music colliding to create everything from an ankara inspired room to a sound and film experience co-created by Williams Chechet and Aye; a room called Paradise by Mr. Color which is a modern retelling of the story of the Garden of Eden but from a pre-sin perspective (intriguing!) and many more, we expect nothing less than a feast for the senses.
Other confirmed artists and collaborators include Rotimi Williams, Pop Artii, Jane Michael Ekanem and the lighting maestro’s 512 Activity. The three day event will also feature a general exhibition space with affordable art, a curated art shop where people can buy a small selection of vintage tee shirts, hats, art home accessories and one off items all sourced locally and more. According to Nicole Asinugo, one of the curators behind Sao and the Muse, ‘The whole idea is to remove the stiffness associated with exhibitions and create a relaxed but immersive atmosphere for young people to not only see the art but engage with it.’
We cannot wait! For more information follow the hashtag #saoandthemuse3