This autumn, Autograph presents a new exhibition capturing the rich style and joyous spirit of Lagos in the 1970s through portraiture.

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Unearthing the story of one of the most vibrant photographic studios operating in Lagos, Abi Morocco Photos: Spirit of Lagos will be on view at Autograph’s gallery in East London from 31 October 2024 – 22 March 2025. The studio’s remarkable black-and-white portraits celebrate the rich style and joyous spirit of a generation of Lagosians during a transformative period in Nigeria’s history.

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Operated by husband-and-wife duo John Abe and Funmilayo Abe the studio thrived from the 1970s to 2006. The exhibition Spirit of Lagos focuses on the studio’s formative decade — the 1970s. Unlike many African portrait studios of that era, the Abe’s carved out a unique photographic vocation: few female practitioners or collaborators in this context were named and worked so prolifically in a male-dominated field. Merging their professional and personal lives, the couple balanced raising a large family while running a successful commercial photographic studio.

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Their oeuvre encompasses a variety of styles: from formal studio portraits to commissioned photos at home and moments of celebration. The studio was frequented by Lagosians of many walks of life including those who had attained economic prosperity during Nigeria's rapid transformation following the oil boom.

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The Abe’s merged striking visual elements such as a chequerboard floor and hand-painted backdrops with the bustling Lagos metropolis. When viewed collectively these beguiling portraits brings the sitters and their world into a space of liberation and reimagination, vividly capturing the rhythm of everyday life.

In the 2000s many studios, including Abi Morocco Photos, transitioned towards digital photography. As a result, many negatives and physical records were at risk of being lost or destroyed in favour of new technologies. The works on display are the result of the ongoing efforts of the Lagos Studio Archives project, which aims to preserve and present the legacy of Nigerian studio photography. Through their research the contributions of studios like Abi Morocco Photos are now recognised in the cultural history and discourse of African studio portraiture.

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About the artists

Funmilayo Abe (b. 1953, Mushin, Nigeria) specialised in various forms of commercial portraiture, including studio portraits, documentary, and street photography. She chose not to pursue formal schooling after primary school and instead followed her passion for photography. Between 1967 and 1970, she apprenticed with a local female photographer known as "Nike Photo" in Shogunle, where she honed her skills in photography and enjoyed the solitude of the darkroom. Gaining respect in her community as a talented photographer, Abe established several studios from 1969 to 2021, both independently and with her husband. These studios included “Funmilayo Photo,” “Young Abi Morocco Photos,” “Abi Morocco Photos,” and “Jadesola Photo.” She retired in 2021, she continues to live in Alagbado, Lagos State.

John Abe (b.1956, Ekiti, Nigeria – d. 2024, Alagbado, Lagos State, Nigeria) developed an interest in photography at age 12 when a photographer was commissioned to take portraits of his mother and grandmother at their home. He recalls watching the photographer at work was like seeing a magician perform magic. Determined to pursue his passion, he apprenticed under Mr. Oladiran Asaiya, also known as "Yankee Photo," in Ogun State between 1968-1969. After moving to Lagos in 1969, Abe was able to purchase his first camera and a bicycle, which he used to travel around, advertising his services with a bag labelled "Abi Morocco." Over the years, the studio operated under various names in independence and partnership with his wife including "Young Abi Morocco Adeomosun Photos," "Young Abi Morocco Photos," and "Abi Morocco Photos." Specialising in many forms of portraiture Abe continued his photography career and ran the studio until his retirement in 2006. Abe passed away in June 2024 at the age of 77.

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Address Autograph

Address and ticketing Autograph, Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA Entry is free. Visitors can book timed tickets on Autograph’s website or visit anytime the exhibition is open Links and tags Exhibition webpage Visiting information @autographabp on Instagram and TikTok

more information here

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