Jelili Atiku Denied U.S. Visa, Stages Borderless...

On the edge of the Ilaje waterfront in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria, where wooden canoes rest beside polluted waters and makeshift homes overlook mounds of plastic waste, an extraordinary procession unfolded. Men and women clothed in flowing white garments, their faces hidden beneath raffia and broad, woven hats, walked solemnly through the community, balancing earthen bowls. Leading them was performance artist Jelili Atiku, his body painted white and adorned with layers of colourful beads.

Endless Possibilities Opens at Quintessence

Title: The Sitter, Oil on Canvas by Sylvester Aigbogun

Quintessence Gallery is set to present Endless Possibilities, a group exhibition curated by acclaimed artist and curator Idowu Sonaya, opening on July 18, 2026, at its gallery located at 285 Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Running until August 1, 2026, the exhibition brings together 12 artists whose diverse practices explore the boundless potential of contemporary artistic expression. The exhibition opens at 4:00 p.m. and promises an engaging showcase of painting and mixed-media works reflecting a broad spectrum of styles, ideas and creative approaches.

Participating artists are: Kafaru Abiodun, Ato Arinze, Sylvester Aigbogun, Adebimpe Adebambo, Babatunde B. B., Ankeli Christopher, Desmond Dubre, Felix Aina, Mokayi Olusegun, Olumide Oladiran, Henry Unuigboje, and curator Idowu Sonaya.

According to the organisers, Endless Possibilities celebrates the limitless capacity of art to inspire, provoke thought and foster dialogue. By bringing together artists with distinct visual languages, the exhibition highlights the richness and diversity of Nigeria's contemporary art scene while encouraging audiences to engage with multiple perspectives.

The exhibition is expected to attract collectors, curators, artists and art enthusiasts, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a dynamic collection of works that reflect innovation, experimentation and the enduring power of artistic imagination.

Auchi Art Royale Set to Unveil Art Force II at Tim & Carol Gallery

Exhausted Parties (Ibeji Series) by Dudu Emmanuel Dudu. Courtesy of the artist.

The Tim and Carol Gallery of Art in Lagos, Nigeria, will host Art Force II (1499), a group exhibition by the Auchi Art Royale collective, on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Opening at 2 p.m. at the gallery's GRA, Ikeja venue, the exhibition brings together members of the renowned collective to present a fresh body of contemporary works celebrating artistic excellence, collaboration, and the enduring legacy of the Auchi School of Art.

LIMCAF Hosts Inclusive Children's Art Workshop in Abuja

The Life in My City Art Foundation (LIMCAF) will hold a two-day Inclusive Children's Art Workshop in Abuja on July 1 and 2, 2026, as part of its commitment to promoting creativity and ensuring that children of all abilities have access to artistic learning opportunities.

Scheduled to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, 18 Libreville Crescent, Wuse, the workshop is designed to provide an engaging and supportive environment where children can explore their creative potential through practical art activities. According to the organisers, participants will receive hands-on instruction in drawing, painting, tie-and-dye, and batik production while interacting with professional artists and facilitators.

The programme is coordinated by Klaranze Okhide and is supported by the Ford Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to arts education and fostering inclusion for children across diverse backgrounds.

LIMCAF, Nigeria's longest-running youth visual arts festival, has continued to champion talent development through workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship programmes. The Abuja workshop forms part of the foundation's broader outreach initiatives aimed at encouraging self-expression, building confidence, and nurturing the next generation of artists, including children living with disabilities.

The workshop is expected to bring together young participants, educators, parents, and art practitioners in an inspiring atmosphere that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.

Oresegun Returns with Threads of Heritage

Hyperrealist painter Olumide Oresegun is set to show Threads of Heritage: Cultural Weaving, a new solo exhibition opening at Mydrim Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Scheduled to open on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., the exhibition will run through August 8, 2026. Bringing together a new body of work that reflects Oresegun's continued exploration of cultural heritage through his distinctive hyperreality style.

The exhibition promises to examine the intricate relationship between tradition and contemporary life, using portraiture and symbolism to celebrate the richness of African cultural narratives.  Threads of Heritage: Cultural Weaving invites viewers to reflect on the enduring connections between generations and the values that shape collective identity.

Oresegun has earned international recognition for his technically accomplished paintings, often blending meticulous realism with imaginative compositions that provoke thought and conversation. His latest works are expected to continue this artistic trajectory, offering fresh perspectives on culture, history, and self-expression.

Hosted by Mydrim Gallery, the exhibition will be held at 74B Norman Williams Street, S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos, and is expected to attract collectors, curators, fellow artists, and art enthusiasts from across the country.

With Threads of Heritage: Cultural Weaving, Oresegun once again invites audiences into a visually compelling world where realism meets symbolism, reaffirming his place as one of Nigeria's most influential contemporary artists.