Lagos Studio Archives: The Project Keeping Nigeria’s Photographic History Alive
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Loading... - Henrietta Adams
- 16 Jan 2025
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When artist Karl Ohiri visited Lagos and discovered that many of the city’s photo studios were destroying or discarding their analog archives, he recognized an urgent need for action. Together with his partner, Riikka Kassinen, Ohiri founded Lagos Studio Archives, a project dedicated to preserving the visual history of Lagos. So far, they have salvaged hundreds of thousands of negatives and a few original prints, capturing the essence of the city’s vibrant past. In this interview, Bruno Bayley explores the story behind the project and introduces their first collection for exhibition: stunning photographs taken by Abi Morocco Photos in the lively 1970s Lagos.
In 2015, during a trip to Nigeria, Ohiri became increasingly alarmed by the potential loss of an irreplaceable part of the country’s visual history. As Lagos, a megacity known for its dynamism and rapid transformation, embraced the digital age, many photographers were discarding their analog archives. Decades of vernacular photography that documented the city’s evolution were at risk of being erased.
“I’m British Nigerian, and Nigeria has always been a place that’s between two worlds for me,” Ohiri explains. “I could approach it with fresh eyes and the perspective that came with being from the UK.” He recalls how studio photography flourished in Nigeria during the 1970s, as people sought to document their lives. However, when he asked photographers about their archives, many claimed they no longer existed or had been destroyed. “Some said they were burning them, others were leaving them to deteriorate in humid conditions. In their eyes, the work had been done; why store it all?”
Returning to London, Ohiri reflected on the idea of Lagos’ photographic history slipping away. “That’s when I understood something needed to be done, and I started on this journey,” he says. In 2022, Kassinen officially joined the Lagos Studio Archives project, although she had been involved earlier, assisting in the monumental task of salvaging the city’s visual history.
The duo has worked tirelessly to preserve numerous studio archives, but the first to be exhibited is that of Abi Morocco Photos. This collection is currently on display at Autograph in London, curated by Lagos Studio Archives and Bindi Vora. The exhibition showcases the vibrant and dynamic spirit of Lagos in the 1970s, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of the city during that era.
Lagos Studio Archives not only aims to save photographs but also to honor the stories and lives behind them. By preserving these archives, Ohiri and Kassinen are ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate the visual history of Lagos. The project serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting cultural heritage, especially in a rapidly changing world.
As they continue their work, Ohiri and Kassinen hope to inspire others to recognize the value of preserving local histories and to take action before it’s too late. Through exhibitions and community engagement, Lagos Studio Archives is not just a project; it’s a movement to keep Nigeria’s photographic history alive for years to come.
