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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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? 

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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. 

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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.