Karl Ohiri launched the Lagos Studio Archives after observing the loss of photographic heritage in Lagos due to studio closures and the shift to digital photography. His initiative seeks to collect, preserve, and celebrate the work of local photographers, showcasing the cultural narratives of everyday life in Lagos. Formed in 2016, the archive has gained international recognition, exhibiting in prestigious venues like the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Ohiri emphasizes the importance of this project in preventing gaps in the representation and understanding of Nigerian heritage.
During a trip to Lagos in 2015, I noticed alarming photography studios destroying their archives. As photographers moved to digital, film began to disappear.
The Lagos Studio Archives project aims to collect and present imagery reflecting the aspirations of Lagosians, highlighting hidden narratives in West African culture.
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