The theme for the Lagos leg of the Expressions exhibition was Eyo. The origins of Eyo date back to the early 18th century when king Ado was the Oba of Lagos. According to folklore, for many years the kings wife had no children and her search for a child led her to the Oracle who promised her a son if she would worship ‘Orinsala’ (the Oracle of divinity). She agreed and was blessed with a son she named Kuti who later became the Oba of Lagos.
Eyo are covered from head to toe in white “Agbada”. They are supposed to be the spirits of the founders of Lagos. They carry a staff called the “Opambata” which is meant to bless the people but is often used to beat them back. The Eyo festival is a very musical affair, with lots of instruments and singing accompanying the masquerades. Eyo is also the most represented masquerade among Nigerian artists.
The tour started at the National Gallery of Art, next to the iconic National Theatre. Children took part in creative art workshops before a trip to Silverbird Galleria where the main exhibition took place. Children engaged with artists, explored Eyo and interpreted the art in their unique way.
