© Arthur Schuman
Medium: Video-Installation
The work "gateway" is a documentation and examination of Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Nigeria. A group of students from the University of Arts and Design Karlsruhe visited Lagos in November 2022 to map the square together with students from the "University of Lagos" for the "Lagos Biennial" and to explore its contemporary significance. Tafawa Balewa Square is centrally located on Lagos Island and is dedicated to the country's independence from British occupation.
The installation consists of a replica of the gates to Independence Square, the sound of the surrounding area, and a documentary work on the contemporary significance of the site.
These gates, which were designed with Paul Mount and other Nigerian artists in 1972 and became part of the historic monument to Nigeria's independence, were unexpectedly demolished earlier this year. The destruction of the gates was probably initiated by the private investor who now manages Independence Square. Thus, a significant part of Nigeria's cultural heritage has been lost.