Recently, travel and tourism company, Countless Miles organised This Is Not Lagos, a travel and art exhibition at Miliki. It featured 6 talented Nigerian photographers; Hakeem Salaam, Aisha Augie-Kuta, Adeola Olagunju, Enefaa Thomas, Andrew Esiebo and Zemaye Okediji who all showcased 26 exciting images documenting, various destinations across 14 states in Nigeria to inspire viewers to seek and embrace experiential travel. One of the curators Moni Baruwa gave more insight about their inaugural exhibition.
What was the criteria for choosing the photographers and the photographs?
The goal of the exhibition was to inspire travel by visually taking people on a journey to the 14 destinations highlighted. With that in mind, we looked for photographers who had captured the destination experiences in a way that is visually appealing to viewers. We wanted to show images that captured the essence of tourism and travel outside of the typical, to include beautiful landscapes and views, monuments and history, festivals and culture, and adventure and activities. During the planning phase, it was hard to find photographers who had captured places within Nigeria that fit our theme because most photographers in Nigeria focus on photojournalism.
Visitors at the exhibition. Image credit: Countless Miles.
Zemaye Okediji. Image credit: Pink Network
University of Ilorin reservoir Kwara state. Image credit: Zemaye Okediji/Countless Miles.
Adeola Olagunju Image credit: AdeolaOlagunju.com
Idanre Hills Ondo state. Image credit: Adeola Olagunju/Countless Miles
Was the intention to win more business for your company, promote the photographers, or both?
The idea of the exhibition was to change the typical Nigerian’s perception of travel by inspiring out-of-the-norm destination experiences, which is in line with our mission at Countless Miles. Having said this, the exhibition was also a great way to introduce the Countless Miles brand to the Nigerian market in a way that’s different from what other travel companies are doing.
Without the amazing images from the photographers, there wouldn’t have been a successful exhibition. The 6 photographers represented have spent years traveling around Nigeria capturing amazing images of Nigeria even when nobody focused on tourism in Nigeria. I am happy to have represented the photographers and I’m glad that the exhibition was also an avenue through which we could promote the works of these talented photographers.
Aisha Augie-Kuta Image credit: Youtube
Horse Durbar Zaria, Kaduna state. Image credit: Aisha Augie-Kuta/Countless Miles
Jos, Plateau state Image credit: Aisha Augie-Kuta/Countless Miles
Abuja Millenium Tower, FCT Image credit: Aisha Augie-Kuta/Countless Miles
Did you achieve your aim and do you think people will travel to those places after seeing the photos?
I believe we achieved our main goal, which was to inspire travel through art. The feedback from the exhibition was amazing and inspirational. We have received requests to curate trips for people to the destinations highlighted. The exhibition has triggered conversations on how to promote tourism in Nigeria and opened opportunities within the travel space in Nigeria that people did not previously consider.
Awhum cave Enugu state Image credit: Enefaa Thomas/Countless Miles
Obudu Cross River state Image credit: Enefaa Thomas/Countless Miles
Yankari National Game Reserve Bauchi state Image credit Hakeem-Salaam/Countless Miles
The Bridge in Gembu Taraba state Image credit: Hakeem Salaam/Countless Miles
Ogbunike cave Anambra state Image credits: Hakeem Salaam/Countless Miles
Ibeno Creek Akwa Ibom state Image credit: Hakeem Salaam/Countless Miles
Erin Ijesha waterfalls Osun state Image credit: Hakeem Salaam/Countless Miles
Hakeem Salam Image credit: Tumblr
How did the exhibition go and were many photographs sold?
Given that it was our first exhibition and that there were many challenges, some of which almost led to a last-minute cancellation, I would say that it was a huge success. Over 50% of the photographs were sold during the exhibition. Miliki, the artsy lounge and space we used was very supportive and did a great job promoting the event to their clientele. We still have a few of the works unsold that we plan to display at other galleries or cafés around Lagos.
Do you plan a sequel?
There are no immediate plans for a sequel. However, there have been conversations around more exhibitions focused on travel that we are looking to explore soon, so keep an eye out.
