Two artists, Bolaji Alonge and his Dutch counterpart, Otto, in their exhibition initiated discussions on two cities, Lagos in Nigeria and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Aside from being separated by six-hour flight, both cities are known for their swelling populations, street arts, bulging creatives and diverse cultures.

Titled, 6 Hours, and held at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos, the exhibition showcased the works of the artists during their residency in Lagos.

Organised with the support of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lagos, the artists creatively conceived cross-continental conversation between Africa and Europe, highlighting the cultural relativity and diversity, contrast and similitude, the resilience of the people, and the street life; the vibes and hues that have made both countries not just thick, but also a phenomenon.

Showcasing features, including dance, masquerades, music, seashore, freedom of expression, among others, the artists highlights the varying candour of the two hyperactive cities known for their creative expressions.

Being the first time both artists are collaborating, the multi-skilled photo artist, Bolaji Alonge (a.k.a. Omo Eko), observed that artists coming together for a collaboration boost imagination, broaden their scope and present more opportunity as well as give audience and collectors more works to see and enjoy and have a new experience.

He said: “I capture the everyday reality of any society I get immersed in with Lagos. In the course of documenting our history, I take photos of people, architecture, animals, our busy lives, nature and the ecosystem of my environment.”

Disclosing his penchant for sharing knowledge and experience on how Internet has shaped people’s lives, Alonge, who doubles as a photographer and an actor, stated: “I believe in spreading the knowledge of how we live today, using the Internet, sharing our beauty and pride with the rest of the world because one of the best ways to document history is through photography, it brings the past back to life.”

Alonge continued: “Life for many today is on the phone; art is what brings us to the moment. The power of the art of photography in reflecting who we are goes a long way in boosting the confidence of a people.”

For Otto (a.k.a. Ottograph), who is visiting Nigeria for the first time, “street art is a form of total freedom in art, continuing he stressed that, artists can do it in whenever and wherever they want to spread their message and creativity, especially as there are no basic rules to it.”

He said: “A lot of symbolism in my murals constitutes a long ongoing story and I want people to come up with their own interpretation when looking at my murals and paintings.”