ART X ICON: The Masterclass 2025

Introduced this year as a special extension of the ART X ICON exhibition, The Masterclass will spotlight emerging talents in dialogue with the legacy of an African legend.

Theme: Ojeikere’s Exacting Eye

The legacy of this year’s ICON, J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, lies in his meticulous observation of everyday Nigerian life. His photographs, featured throughout the exhibition, elevate the ordinary into enduring cultural memory. With an eye that is both documentary and poetic, Ojeikere treated each image as part of a vast visual archive — a record of a people, their artistry, and their evolving identities. His exacting eye reminds us that discipline and devotion can turn fleeting gestures into timeless history.

Led by J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere’s son — himself a photographer and archivist — the session offers participants the rare opportunity to learn directly from a guardian of this legacy.

A selection of participants will later present their work publicly in Lagos, bringing the archive into the city.

The Icon Masterclass seeks to:
- Preserve and extend the archival eye through photography.
- Create public dialogue between legacy and now.
- Offer tangible visibility via city-scale showcases.
INSTRUCTIONS
Each applicant:
- Must review the Terms & Conditions before applying
- Must ensure all portfolio images are high-resolution
- Must submit all required application documents
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 11:59 PM WAT

Note: You may save your application and return to it later before submission.

Thank you for your interest in applying for ART X ICON: The Masterclass.
APPLICANT INFORMATION

GENERAL DETAILS
Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

DayMonthYear
Please note you must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years or older as of October 12th 2025.
Gender*

MaleFemalePrefer Not to SayOther
Country of Citizenship e.g. Nigeria*
Country of Residence e.g. Nigeria*
City and State of Residence e.g. Umuahia, Abia*
Email Address:*
Instagram Handle (Indicate N/A if not applicable): *
The Instagram Account linked to your Icon Masterclass entries
Website Address (Indicate N/A if not applicable):

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Artists working in photography are eligible if they currently live and work in Nigeria. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old as of October 12th, 2025.

Availability to attend the Masterclass during the ART X Lagos 2025 Fair Weekend (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November) is required.

Please attach 3 artwork images. Each image should have a resolution of at least 300dpi and a minimum size of 1500 x 1500 px (minimum 3MB). Save each image with the following information: Artist Name, Work Title, Year, Media and Dimensions.
Are You A Photographer?*

YesNo
Number Of Years Of Practice
Which Of The Following Best Describes Your Practice

Self TaughtFormally TrainedPrefer Not To Say
Provide a Short Bio *

0/120
How does your exacting eye echo Ojeikere’s archival approach while staying your own?*

0/150
Link To Carousel Post on Instagram*
Artwork Image 1*

Cancelof
Artwork 1 Caption: Artist Name, Work Title, Year, Media, Dimensions*
Artwork Image 2 *

Cancelof
Artwork 2 Caption: Artist Name, Work Title, Year, Media, Dimensions*
Artwork Image 3*

Cancelof
Artwork 3 Caption: Artist Name, Work Title, Year, Media, Dimensions *
Portfolio
Provide a link to your portfolio or drive of your other work. Please ensure this link is accessible

TERMS & CONDITIONS
Read the full Ts&Cs here.
By clicking here:*

I certify that I am between the ages of 18 and 30 as of the October 12th 2025.I certify that I am available for the Masterclass on the 8th - 9th November.I certify that all the materials and information shared in this application are mine or my own creative work.I accept the Terms & Conditions.
ACCEPTANCE
Signature*

Clear
Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Signature Date*

DayMonthYear
Date
Should be Empty:

INSTRUCTIONS

APPLICANT INFORMATION

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

TERMS & CONDITIONS

ACCEPTANCE