Artists are hastily endeavoring to preserve overlooked images capturing the essence of Lagos life.
In the heart of Nigeria's bustling metropolis, Lagos, lies a treasure trove of history captured through the lens of analog photography. From the 1960s to the early 2000s, these black and white portraits and street scenes have encapsulated the vibrant life of Lagos, mirroring the city's cultural and social transformations [1]. This rich history serves as a unique backdrop to understanding the evolution of photography in Lagos, from its days as a British colonial trading center to its current status as a cosmopolitan city [2].
One of the most significant preservation efforts in this regard is the Lagos Studio Archives project, led by Helsinki-based artists Karl Ohiri and Riikka Kassinen. This initiative aims to preserve and research the artistic and cultural heritage of Lagos through analog photography [4]. Other artists and photographers have been racing against time to save forgotten photos of Lagos life, collecting and digitising them to prevent their loss [1].
However, the preservation of these historical images is not without challenges. The degradation of physical media due to environmental factors such as humidity and light exposure poses a significant threat [3]. Digital archiving, too, presents barriers due to the cost and expertise required for digitising and storing these photographs. Recognising the cultural significance of these images as historical records is also essential [3].
Among the collections being preserved is that of Abi Morocco Photos, a husband-and-wife photography duo who worked from the early 1970s to 2006. Their work, recently curated by Ohiri and Kassinen at the Autograph gallery in London, offers a glimpse into Lagos life during the 1970s [5]. The Lagos Studio Archives itself contains the work of at least 25 photographers, with some collections containing multiple photographers' work [6].
Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts by artists and researchers help ensure that the history of analog photography in Lagos is not lost. The archive's inclusion in the New Photography Exhibition at New York's MoMA in 2023 marked a significant milestone [7]. However, the task is far from over. With the negatives degrading due to the humid Lagos air and many photographers having passed away, the race to save these historical photographs continues [3].
Karl Ohiri, a British Nigerian artist, launched the Lagos Studio Archives to save these collections. Despite the challenges, Ohiri and his partner Riikka Kassinen remain undeterred, working tirelessly to preserve these historical photographs and make them accessible to citizens of Lagos through books and exhibitions [6]. As they continue their quest, they hope that one day, people might recognise these images as personal family archives of Lagos.
References: [1] "Lagos Studio Archives: Preserving the Past." The Guardian, 19 Feb. 2021,
- The Lagos Studio Archives project, led by Karl Ohiri and Riikka Kassinen, is an initiative aimed at preserving and researching the artistic and cultural heritage of Lagos, featuring various aspects of life such as arts, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel.
- The collection of Abi Morocco Photos, a husband-and-wife photography duo, offers a unique insight into the lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty trends of Lagos during the 1970s, recently curated by Ohiri and Kassinen at the Autograph gallery in London.
- As part of the Lagos Studio Archives, the work of at least 25 photographers is being preserved, providing a vast repository of historical images that document the evolution of different aspects of Lagos life, including travel experiences and home-and-garden scenes.
