Lagos has increasingly become a preferred destination for global creatives, and this week welcomed New York-based photographer Reed Davis, who launched his decade-long visual documentary Textures of Humanity in Nahous Lagos.
At a recent press conference, Davis described choosing Lagos as “completing a pilgrimage,” noting that the color, energy and warmth of the city reflect the essence of the work.
“This book is a fabric of the life and culture of the African people. It is more than a collection of photographs. For me, it is a journey into the vibrant, layered and deeply human world that I have had the honor of witnessing. This work was shaped by the generosity of the people who allowed me into their lives. They welcomed me as a curious guest, and that is rare these days,” he said.
Over the past decade, Davis has photographed intimate moments in various African communities, from time-worn fabrics to sunlight on hand-painted walls, embracing the food and textures of everyday life. Her broader career spans more than four decades, bridging fine art, fashion and cultural storytelling.
Although Textures of Humanity documents the culture and expressions of multiple West African countries and distinctive encounters, Davis describes Lagos as one of a kind.
“The fact that Lagos is the destination for the presentation of ‘Textures of Humanity’ explains how they continually become an attractive center of culture and energy,” he said.
The launch is accompanied by an exhibition in Nahous Lagos, open to the public until December 15. Visitors are invited to interact with Davis’ work and experience the continent through his lens.
The exhibition’s resident chef, Tolu “Eros” Akinseye, described the project as an important cultural document.
“Working with Reed has been fantastic. He sees from a different view of the world, which makes him a curious storyteller. His curiosity is beautiful because some of the things he documents are things we don’t pay enough attention to anymore, and that’s what culture is all about,” Eros added.