2026
2026 Graduate Exhibition
Graduate Exhibition · Curated by Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo
Exhibition Dates
May 26–28, 2026
Location
West Tower, Wings Office Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos
Curated by
Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo
Catalogue
View Exhibition CatalogueAbout the Exhibition
The 2026 CraftVantage Graduate Exhibition introduced eight standout voices from Nigeria's leading art institutions — Yabatech and UNILAG. Each artist was commissioned to produce original works that integrate sustainability through their choice of materials and creative practice.
Bold Stories, Sustainable Futures challenged these emerging artists to tell honest, powerful stories through their craft while committing to eco-conscious methods. Through a bold blend of identity, heritage, and contemporary expression, they imagined futures shaped by resilience, visibility, and purpose.
The curated 3-day showcase engaged artists, collectors, media, students, and the broader public — from an exclusive VIP opening to community education sessions and a final public viewing.
Exhibition Highlights
8 graduate artists from UNILAG & Yabatech
24 commissioned sustainability-conscious works
3-day immersive exhibition experience
VIP opening night with live music & cocktails
Pop-up Craft Market
Community education & panel discussions
Exhibition Recap
From May 26–28, 2026, the CraftVantage Graduate Exhibition took place at Wings Office Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos, presenting 8 emerging graduates from UNILAG and Yaba College of Technology and 24 commissioned works across painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media. For those who could not attend, here is a look into what unfolded across the three days.
Three Days of Art, Conversation & Community
Day 1 — VIP & Media Opening: The opening ceremony welcomed government representatives, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, patrons, and collectors for the first viewing of the new works.
Day 2 — Children, Youth Engagement & Community Day: Children, young people, students, and invited groups experienced the exhibition through painting activities, hands-on art play, artist-led conversations, and sustainability reflections — engaging creativity as a tool for learning, self-expression, and future opportunity.
Day 3 — Public Exhibition & Interactive Viewing: The final day opened the exhibition to wider public engagement, with guided viewings, artist conversations, and deeper interaction with the works.
Sustainable Pop-Up Craft Market
Across the three days, the exhibition featured a pop-up craft market showcasing functional creative products made by students and emerging makers. Many items were created using scraps, upcycled materials, and sustainability-conscious processes — turning discarded or leftover materials into new bags, accessories, notebooks, and other useful pieces.
The Beauty of Woven Heritage
Beyond the artworks, the exhibition created space for cultural learning through the display of handwoven fabrics from across Africa. Guests explored the history, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind these textile traditions, and how fabric continues to serve as a powerful language of identity, community, and memory.
The Work Continues — Supporting the Artists
From the Exhibition
VIEW ALL WORKS →
Resilient Bloom: Custodian of the Verdant Grid
Oloruntobi Bolaji Esther
Fiberglass, Metal Sheet, Black Thread, Acrylic and Wood
