The Macallan, Alexis Galleries Champion Nigerian Creativity With Francis Agemo’s Debut Solo Exhibition, OMẸMITỌNLẸẸ

As Nigeria’s contemporary art scene continues to attract global attention, partnerships that empower local artists are taking centre stage, driving the growth and visibility of the nation’s creative ecosystem.

Reaffirming its commitment to nurturing this landscape, The Macallan once again partnered with Alexis Galleries, this time to spotlight the debut solo exhibition of Badagry-based interdisciplinary artist, Francis Agemo.

The exhibition, which was held at Alexis Galleries in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, was titled OMẸMITỌNLẸẸ, an Egun word meaning “ancestors and living legends.” It offered a deeply personal and spiritual journey into Agemo’s world of carved wooden sculptures, paintings, and mixed-media works.

Rooted in the cultural traditions of Badagry and inspired by the cosmology of the Egun people, Agemo’s works explore themes of ancestry, community, and remembrance.

Drawing from his upbringing with his grandparents, traditional worshippers and artisans, he uses wood as a storytelling medium to honour lineage and human connection.

“My art talks about life, love, and the people who have shaped me. Many of the pieces here represent faces and memories of those who matter in my life, people who built the community where I come from,” Agemo shared.

Curated by Alexis Galleries, OMẸMITỌNLẸẸ features more than twenty-five pieces that weave together ancestral symbols, contemporary expression, and deeply personal narratives.

Each work is an exploration of the duality between spirituality and lived experience, carved with the precision and patience that have become hallmarks of Agemo’s evolving practice.

Speaking on the brand’s ongoing cultural partnership with Alexis Galleries, Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, Nigeria & West and Central Africa (WACA), Edrington Portfolio, said:

“Our partnership with Alexis Galleries continues to be a celebration of mastery and artistry in all its forms. Through exhibitions like OMẸMITỌNLẸẸ, we are proud to spotlight exceptional Nigerian talents like Francis Agemo, whose dedication to his craft reflects The Macallan’s own values of heritage, craftsmanship, creativity, and excellence.”

Guests at the exhibition experienced an evening of art and refinement, as they savoured The Macallan cocktails while engaging with the artist’s powerful narratives.

The collaboration between The Macallan and Alexis Galleries has become a cornerstone of Lagos’s art scene, creating opportunities for artists to reach new audiences and fostering a deeper appreciation of contemporary Nigerian art.

From past showcases such as Mirrors of Our Time, Recycling Matters I, and A Prayer Book, to Agemo’s emotive OMẸMITỌNLẸẸ, the partnership continues to celebrate the spirit of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy that defines both brands.