LOGOS & heART returned for its second show on Saturday, October 10. The event, which held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos, brought together theatre artists , visual artists, music artists, some of Nigeria’s finest Christian creative talents and their likes, for what could be considered thought-provoking conversations and full day of entertainment and expression.

With the theme, A Foolish Old Story, the event visited different creative expressions, giving audiences plenty to see, hear, and engage in. It examined the influence of Christian faith on creativity, particularly the limitations artists face on their artistic expression as a result of their religious beliefs. It also sought to encourage a broader understanding of the relationship between faith and art, highlighting the place of spirituality in creative exploration.

The show featured a multi-media drama performance that explored the relationship between faith and creativity, using music and visual elements to communicate the significance of faith in artistic expression. A major highlight was the marketplace showcasing a diverse range of artworks.

The displays included sculptures, visual art, acrylic paintings and literary works, providing a platform for artists to express their ideas and perspectives through different creative forms.

The producer, David Mosadoluwa, said the show was created to bridge what many people perceive as a gap between Christianity and creativity. “Being a Christian should not prevent an artist from pursuing excellence, building a career or reaching the highest levels of the creative industry,” he said.

Logos & heART 2.0 used virtually every form of creative expression from traditional painting and sketching to metalwork, music, drama, performance and emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to communicate the gospel. The idea behind the show goes beyond putting Christian messages into works of art. It is also about demonstrating that creatives can remain committed to their values while navigating an industry that sometimes exposes them to pressures that challenge those values.

Mosadoluwa’s conviction is partly rooted in his own experience in the entertainment industry. Before establishing Logos & heART, he worked as a production designer and art director across music videos, television programmes, documentaries, photography and feature films. His professional experience exposed him to different environments and conversations, some of which tested his convictions as a Christian.

He said that the message and life of Jesus became an important source of strength as he encountered such situations. “Christian message may sometimes appear “foolish” to a world that values retaliation, self-interest and compromise. Yet he believes the same message can provide the strength required to remain grounded while pursuing professional success.

The event challenges the assumption that principles such as kindness, forgiveness, humility and self-control are signs of weakness.

Mosadoluwa argues that creatives can reach the peak of their careers without abandoning their core values. In his view, success should not require people to compromise their faith or engage in habits and practices they believe are contrary to their convictions. The exhibition therefore seeks to make its argument not only through words but also through examples.

The essence of the event was to change the social narrative that ethical value and success cannot co-exist without a compromise, which the organisers of the event want to change. It also reflected the changing face of creative industry, which now has a strong presence of young people.

Mosadoluwa, said, “This year, we decided to expand the approach by creating a body of work around the theme, including a short story designed to give visitors a clearer understanding of the message. It featured a broad collection of artworks, with over 200 artworks exhibited at the event.”
 
For Mosadoluwa, his own professional journey is evidence that faith does not have to restrict creative ambition. His experience working on major film productions, he said, demonstrates that a Christian creative can operate at the highest levels of the industry without sacrificing personal convictions.