By Kingsley Adegboye

Art, culture and personal stories took centre stage in Lagos as The Light We Carry exhibition opened to the public, drawing artists, creatives and art lovers to a celebration of Nigerian identity expressed through contemporary paintings.

The exhibition, curated by Alali Gallery under the Sip and Paint.NG platform, featured artworks that explored memory, heritage, endurance and everyday experiences familiar to many Nigerians.

The works were created by artists within the Sip & Paint community and reflected both personal journeys and shared cultural moments.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Curator at Alali Gallery, Abisola Kuburat Gbadamosi, said the exhibition was built around the idea that people often reveal who they are through simple actions and lived experiences.

“The Light We Carry is a reminder that the light within us shows in what we do, the people we raise and the memories we leave behind,” Gbadamosi said. “This exhibition is about legacy and the values we quietly pass on from one generation to another.”

She explained that the exhibition brought together works produced between 2022 and 2025, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see how the artists have grown over time.

“We wanted the artists to feel free and not restricted by one style or idea,” she added. “Alali Gallery was created to give them room to express themselves and to connect with people beyond the traditional gallery setting.”

Also speaking, Managing and Creative Director of Sip and Paint.NG, Daniba Dan-Princewill, described the exhibition as a reflection of the growth of the Sip and Paint creative community.

“When we started Sip and Paint, many people doubted that Nigerians would connect with painting in this way,” Dan-Princewill said. “Today, people understand the effort, emotion and meaning behind every artwork.”

According to her, the theme was carefully chosen to speak to people across different ages and backgrounds.

“This exhibition is about the light we all carry inside us,” she said. “We want young people, older people and everyone in between to see themselves in these works and recognise their own value.”

Dan-Princewill also highlighted the expanding opportunities available to artists within the Sip and Paint ecosystem.

“Artists can now grow within the system, earn steady income, receive commissions and build long-term careers,” she said. “Supporting artists beyond selling paintings is very important to us.”

Director at Sip and Paint.NG, Adesuwa Dan-Princewill, said the exhibition addressed questions of identity, especially among young Nigerians who may feel disconnected from their cultural roots.

“Art helps us tell our stories in ways words sometimes cannot,” she said. “It shows where we come from and what we pass on to the next generation.”

She noted that several artworks focused on family life, traditions and cultural practices.

“When young people see these images, they begin to understand who they are,” she added. “Identity gives confidence, and confidence gives strength.”

Reacting to the exhibition, art enthusiast Toyin Adeniji praised the organisers for creating a space where artists could express themselves honestly.

“You can feel the stories in these paintings,” Adeniji said. “They speak about who we are as Nigerians and where we are going.”

She added that platforms like The Light We Carry are important for the growth of the creative industry.

“Artists are always looking for spaces like this to share their work and connect with people,” she said. “This exhibition came at the right time.”

Other guests and co-curators also commended the organisers for creating a relaxed and inclusive environment that encouraged interaction between artists and audiences, while reinforcing the power of art as a tool for storytelling, identity and cultural connection.