In recent years, Nigeria’s contemporary art scene has garnered global acclaim, with Nigerian artworks gaining popularity and commercial success. However, the infrastructure to support this flourishing industry remains limited. Few educational spaces exist to nurture creatives, leaving artists to develop such initiatives independently, often with minimal financial or governmental support. Recognizing this gap, Taiwo Adeyemi envisioned Polygon, a dynamic art space aimed at addressing these challenges and cultivating a thriving creative ecosystem in Nigeria.
Polygon is a hub for education, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Through diverse programmes, it supports African artists by showcasing their works to local and international audiences, while fostering accessibility to art for all. By partnering with global galleries and hosting exhibitions, performances, and workshops, Polygon bridges the divide between emerging talents and established markets, positioning itself as a transformative force in the African art world.
Since its launch, Polygon has provided a platform for young and established African visual artists to showcase their work outside traditional white-cube galleries. This exposure not only elevates their profiles but also equips them with new skills, connections, and visibility in prestigious art markets. Polygon’s mission is clear: to empower emerging local talents, facilitate meaningful dialogues among creatives, and dismantle barriers within the art industry.
Throughout the year, Polygon hosts multiple artists, offering them opportunities to explore various disciplines, engage with collectors, and build networks. The space joins a cohort of initiatives like Kehinde Wiley’s Black Rock Senegal, Yinka Shonibare’s G.A.S. Foundation, and Nigeria’s Art X Lagos, all of which aim to diversify the global art market by spotlighting African artists.
“There’s a strong community of artists and a growing base of collectors in Nigeria. Spaces like Polygon strengthen this ecosystem and signal the untapped potential in the region,” says Taiwo, an art curator, artist manager, and self-described cultural middleman.
Located in Lagos’s vibrant Victoria Island, Polygon blends seamlessly into its surroundings with its understated exterior. Inside, the space is a masterpiece of brutalist design, featuring concrete finishes, curved edges, and custom-made lighting by Nigerian designers Solomon Osinloye and Omolola Adeyemi. Its inaugural exhibition, in collaboration with the Nomadic Art Gallery, featured works by notable artists like Dudu Emmanuel, Agemo Francis, Victoria Ndubuisi, and Fiyin Koko, among others.
Taiwo’s dedication to empowering Nigerian artists is evident in his advocacy for sustainable creative practices. He has earned widespread respect for advising a diverse range of artists, including Lemi Ghariokwu, the legendary painter and illustrator behind many of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti’s album artworks.
“My love for art started in childhood,” Taiwo shares. “I used to trace images from newspapers to create realism paintings and sell them in my mum’s shop. Over time, I realized my role wasn’t to be the artist but to create avenues where artists can be discovered and promoted.” Taiwo’s impact extends beyond Polygon. In his curated installation, Losing Daylight, he combined art and film to tell the story of Nigeria’s evolving film industry, drawing hundreds of enthusiasts to experience the narrative in a groundbreaking format.
Through his work, Taiwo Adeyemi is reshaping the way art is experienced and appreciated in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration, championing creativity, and transforming spaces, he is paving the way for a new era of art in Africa, one that is inclusive, accessible, and globally respected.
