FF Projects is pleased to announce the third iteration of Manifold, the exhibition centreing the practices of Black female-identifying and non-binary artists from all over the world. After the successes of the London editions, first independently produced in Soho and then at Frieze’s Cork Street space, Manifold travels to the African continent for the first time, taking up a week-long residence at the iconic Alara Lagos. The exhibition will take place from October 29th to November 3rd, and will feature: Kesewa Aboah, Anne Adams, Turiya Adkins, Ayo Akingbade, Oluwatobiloba Ajayi, Ayoade Bamgboye, Maya Beverly, Eva Diallo, Shanique Emelife, Clémence Gbonon, Braden Hollis, Amanda Iheme, Daëna Ladéesse, Olukemi Lijadu, Emmanuelle Loca-Gisquet, Rachel Marsil, Selome Muleta, Fadekemi Ogunsanya, Isabel Okoro, Ada M Patterson, Anika Roach, Unyimeabasi Udoh and Agnes Waruguru.
The biggest show yet, with 23 artists from all over the world, Manifold debuting in Lagos was always only a matter of time. Curated by Faridah Folawiyo, the show’s conceit has always been intentionally broad, aimed at variety and radical co-existence rather than homogeneity. However, this edition refines that concept, and aims to explore themes of homecoming and gathering. There has been a wonderful revival of conversations around Black World Festivals, specifically FESTAC 77. These ideas of Black people communing, some coming home, others exploring their roots, and exchanging their ideas and their practices. With Manifold Lagos, we are asking what these gatherings might look like without men at the centre.
As always, the show questions the limitations of approaching artists and their work through a singular lens. The artists in the show operate through layers; they create work that denounces easy accessibility by leaning on their complexities and contradictions. Working across painting, photography, video and print-making, sculpture, textile and text, the artists in Manifold approach their practices through a lens of imprints, of building, of multiplicity, of abundance.
With the migration of the exhibition, Manifold continues to probe ideas of context-specificity in the art. How does an exhibition’s location affect the consumption and production of its artwork? How do we create exhibitions with the local audience in mind?
Coinciding with Art X Lagos and Lagos Art Week, Manifold’s residency at Alara will include a week of programming, including talks, artist performances, a musical exploration with Olukemi Lijadu, a portfolio review for emerging photographers with Amanda Iheme and a party in collaboration with Nok by Alara.
The show will also be accompanied by a zine, Lagos, I love you, but which includes an interview between Reni and Faridah Folawiyo, Lagos guides by local legends including Michael Elegbede and Tokini Peterside, a collaborative project between Isabel Okoro and Oluwatobiloba Ajayi, and writing by Eloghosa Osunde.
About:
FF Projects
FF Projects is a nomadic curatorial concept established by Faridah Folawiyo.Through international pop-up exhibitions we prioritise and encourage the global exchange and appreciation of Black art. We are dedicated to creating spaces for artists and consumers to be adventurous and experimental, whilst upholding a standard of excellence. We create exhibitions that feel holistic and adventurous, prioritising the democratisation of experience and making sure that everyone that attends an exhibition feels comfortable and can gain something from it.
Faridah Folawiyo
Faridah Folawiyo is an independent curator and researcher with a special focus on contemporary art from the Black world. She received her undergraduate degree in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University and holds a Masters in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Her recent curatorial work includes an upcoming exhibition entitled Elastic Visions at Efie Gallery for the occasion of Dubai Art Week (March 2024); Image Impressions at the Vaughan-Richards House in Lagos, Nigeria (November 2023); the independently produced Manifold (November 2022), and its follow up Manifold (Deluxe) at Frieze No. 9 Cork Street (April 2023). Her postgraduate dissertation titled "Diaspora, Identity and Representation in Non-Figurative African Photography" was published in Ufahamu: A Journal of African Studies, a peer-reviewed journal published at UCLA. She has written for publications such as Mousse Magazine, Nka Journal, TSA Art Magazine, Service95; and has been featured in the likes of Vogue, NPR, Wallpaper Magazine, Native, Sotheby’s, and HURS.
Alara Lagos
Alara is a luxury lifestyle concept store located in Lagos, Nigeria, offering a curated selection of fashion, art, design, and culture from both African and international brands. Founded by Reni Folawiyo, the space blends contemporary and traditional aesthetics, promoting African creativity on a global stage. Alara’s celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and artistry has established it as a cultural landmark and hub in Lagos. Alara also houses NOK, a contemporary restaurant that reinterprets traditional African dishes with a gourmet twist, providing a unique dining experience that complements the store’s focus on the continent’s creativity and creating an immersive space where food, art, and design can come together.
Previous press for Manifold:
HURS – "Faridah Folawiyo: Putting Black Art at the Center" by Mazzi Odu, 2023
“There’s a sense of responsibility with every exhibition I curate: I want to show Black art that represents our fullness, joy, and complexity.”
Service95 – "This One Thing... The Inspiration Behind Frieze Show Manifold" by Faridah Folawiyo, April 2023 “Manifold is about multiplicity – celebrating the abundance and diversity of Black female artists across the world.”
NATIVE – "For The Girls: Faridah Folawiyo is making Black art accessible, one exhibition at a time" by Nwanneamaka Igwe, March 2023
“Manifold exemplifies what a global dialogue on Black womanhood in the arts can look like, rooted in collaboration and a shared vision.”
British Vogue – "A New London Exhibition Heralds The Creative Abundance Of Black Female Artists" by Marley Marius, April 2023
“Faridah Folawiyo’s work is making space for Black art and Black artists in a way that feels affirming and accessible.”
Contact: hello@ff-projects.com
Website: www.ff-projects.com
Social Media:
Instagram: @faridahf @ff_projects_ Press Preview:
October 29, 4pm, RSVP Essential: hello@ff-projects.com Private View:
6-9pm, Thursday October 29, Alara Lagos, Nigeria
Dates and Opening Hours
Open to the public: October 30-November 3 11am - 6pm Everyday
Admission:
Free entry
