Latest West Africa Art Fair Features NFTs, Organizers Highlight Importance of Blockchain

The organizers of Art X Lagos, a West Africa art exhibition, recently kickstarted a non-fungible token (NFT) art fair that features the works of African artists drawn from more than six countries.

In a statement made on Art X Lagos’ website, the organizers argue that blockchain is now providing digital artists with an opportunity to sell their work. They added that such a paradigm shift opens up the possibility of a more decentralized and more collaborative economy, where creators can lead the way towards a more inclusive, and more diverse society.

To demonstrate the extent of Art X Lagos’ determination, the organizers, alongside Superrare — a digital art market on the Ethereum blockchain — recently kickstarted the art fair. According to a report, the physical version of this fair began on November 4 and was expected to end on November 7. The online fair, on the other hand, is expected to end on November 21.

Meanwhile, in their statement, the organizers also took to time to explain why they are especially supportive of NFTs. The statement explains:

As West Africa’s first international art fair, Art X Lagos recognises the importance of contributing to the development of our rich burgeoning African digital art scene, and with this project, we hope to provide a glimpse into the future of art-making and collection on the continent, whilst highlighting the enormous potential of NFTs in the development of Africa’s creative ecosystems.

Prior to the fair’s commencement, a prominent Nigerian artist and co-curator of the exhibition, Osinachi, was quoted expressing his appreciation of the work Art X Lagos is doing to help Africa’s digital artists.

He added that he would use his own experience as a digital artist to lay the groundwork for the success of other African artists who he says are poised to explore the space.

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