Photographs from the African continent showcase diverse works, providing a better glimpse into the region’s rich and complex heritage. Photographers such as Seydou Keita and Malick Sidibé are among the few whose work has traveled to the West and garnered appreciation from viewers. Like them, another portrait studio in Nigeria captured the region’s evolution. Now, a new exhibition honors their legacy at Autograph in the UK, and this opportunity comes at the right time for you to celebrate Black History Month and witness the works of pioneering Black photographers.
All the images in the article are screenshots.
Titled Spirit of Lagos, the showcase focuses on the works of Abi Morocco Photos studio, which operated between the 1970s and 2006. The images, largely portraits, were captured during the cultural transformation of Nigeria during the post-oil boom era. Back then, the studio became a haven and was run by husband-and-wife duo John and Funmilayo Abe, whose images showcase the spirit of the city and its evolution.
The exhibition, however, largely highlights the portraits that were captured during the 1970s, when Lagos saw optimism and rapid urban development. At this point, Nigeria was already independent of the British colony and had a burgeoning economy fueled by oil wealth. Thus, Abi Morocco Photos chronicled the successful street style, family portraits, and moments of celebration that defined the era. Today, these portraits offer a window into the past, when the lives of those living in a city experienced newfound prosperity.
What made John and Funmilayo’s work so distinct is the blend of portraiture with creative elements. For instance, the portraits were captured in a formal setting but featured chequerboard floors and hand-painted backdrops to make them appear more fun and appealing. This also helped document the fashionable and aspirational nature of those before their life and highlight the city’s culture. Their studio became an emblem of self-expression in many ways, as people posed in their finest attires while showcasing their wealth through possessions such as radios, phones, and motorcycles. Abi Morocco Photos studio was also responsible for capturing joyous occasions such as weddings and naming ceremonies, further helping to showcase Nigeria’s rich traditions.
Another significant aspect is the collaboration between both photographers. John and Funmilayo raised their families while running a successful studio. Funmilayo’s contributions are immense in such a male-dominated field, and it’s because the studio managed to have such unique aesthetics at that time. Their collaboration reflects the adaptability and resilience required to thrive in the fast-evolving landscape of Lagos.
The Spirit of Lagos exhibition, overall, is a celebration of Nigerian history, as well as the significance of diversity. The black and white photographs hold a past that many have forgotten today. The clothing, the expressions of strangers, and their confidence are a few things that we must cherish. If these images were not secured over the years, we would have gradually lost what made Nigeria a vibrant nation at one point. Furthermore, it also proves how commercial services such as portraits played an important role in preserving the cultural identity of Lagos. Today, this showcase is the legacy of Abi Morocco Photos and a critical record that can help shape modern Nigeria and the world.
The Spirit of Lagos is on view until March 22 at Autograph UK. For more information, visit their website.