(Lagos, Nigeria, Embargoed until April 18, 2026) Nigeria’s latest creative industry collaboration between SMO Contemporary Art, a leading art gallery and ARAMI, a fine dining rooftop restaurant, kicks off with the opening of CELEBRATION, a curatorial project merging the best of art and gastronomy.
As the art market continues to struggle to stay buoyant, creative projects such as CELEBRATION, pave the way for the placement of modern and contemporary master pieces within exciting new hospitality spaces which are helping to position Lagos as a global culture, food and art hub.
The exhibition brings together fifteen contemporary and modern artists from Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa and the Diaspora, with paintings, sculptures, textiles and light based media from the primary and secondary art market.
ARAMI, owned by the L’Ori Hospitality group, is an exquisite space where art and gastronomy ignite through Afro-Asian-fusion cuisine developed by a team of local and international culinary talent. The cutting edge collaboration with SMO Contemporary Art ensures that guests enjoy fine dining while immersed within a carefully curated space, celebrating the best of African art and design.
Situated within the heart of Lekki, Lagos, ARAMI responds to its surroundings. The restaurant's 360 degree rooftop views of the ocean, lagoon and constantly expanding city metropolis, continue throughout the interiors with its minimalist, light filled spaces, designed by Diana and Emmanuel Nwandu, creating a perfect backdrop to the presentation art.
Within the double volume entrance atrium guests are greeted by bold ceramic and wood sculptural works by Nathalie Djokou Kassi. Suspended high above is a large scale undulating tapestry, Supper & Wining, by award winning artist Samuel Nnorom, celebrating Nigeria’s globally renowned textile culture. Pop-art life size figures by Adeniyi Adewole, complement an imposing four meter wide abstract painting by Ayoola Gbolahan, exploring the connection between our cultural heritage and traditional value systems. Lenticular digital media works by Somi Nwandu merging photography and printmaking with optical illusion, explore Uli, the ancienticonography of Igbo women used on architectural facades and on body tattoos.
A rare portrait on paper, embellished with gold leaf, by modernist Geoffrey Mukasa, dubbed “Uganda’s Picasso”, hangs alongside contemporary works by Chika Idu, Christopher Samuel Idowu, Uchay Joel Chima, T. Badru, Olawale da Silva and Alex Nwokolo, creating an powerful dialogue across generations of artists.
“By developing an exciting program of curated art events and live performances we are committed to introducing new audiences to the best of African art,” said SMO’s Founder and Artistic Director, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago. “SMO has curated modern and contemporary art in leading public and private spaces for the past ten years. We are convinced that these types of collaborations ensure we increase art appreciation across diverse publics by presenting exceptional works by master artists and rising talent within beautifully designed, secure, and well managed spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
“ ARAMI is a family owned legacy project which is committed to bringing bespoke gastronomic experiences to a growing population of discerning foodies,” explainedValentine Nwandu, CEO of the L’Ori Hospitality group. “Architectural interiors were designed by my wife and son, and our hospitality training and media departments are managed by our daughter Victoria.”
“With its Hibachi stations, fine dining restaurant, bespoke private meeting rooms, and sweeping rooftop entertainment areas, we believe we will become Lagos’ best kept secret for where to relax and enjoy exceptional culinary delights and the best of African artistry!”