ARAMI, a fine dining rooftop restaurant in Lagos, has partnered with SMO Contemporary Art to launch 'Celebration', a curatorial project that merges art and gastronomy. This collaboration aims to boost Lagos as a global hub for culture, food, and art by placing modern and contemporary masterpieces in an exciting hospitality space.
The exhibition features 15 contemporary and modern artists from Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, and the Diaspora, showcasing paintings, sculptures, textiles, and light-based media from primary and secondary art markets. ARAMI, owned by the L’Ori Hospitality group, offers an exquisite space where art and gastronomy combine through Afro-Asian-fusion cuisine developed by a team of local and international culinary talent.
The collaboration ensures guests enjoy fine dining while immersed in a carefully curated space that celebrates the best of African art and design. Located in the heart of Lekki, Lagos, ARAMI boasts 360-degree rooftop views of the ocean, lagoon, and the expanding city. The interiors, designed by Diana and Emmanuel Nwandu, feature minimalist, light-filled spaces that provide a perfect backdrop for the art.
In the double-volume entrance atrium, guests are greeted by bold ceramic and wood sculptural works by Nathalie Djokou Kassi. Suspended high above is a large-scale undulating tapestry titled 'Supper & Wining' by award-winning artist Samuel Nnorom, celebrating Nigeria’s globally renowned textile culture. Pop-art life-size figures by Adeniyi Adewole complement an imposing four-meter-wide abstract painting by Ayoola Gbolahan, which explores the connection between cultural heritage and traditional value systems.
Lenticular digital media works by Somi Nwandu merge photography and printmaking with optical illusion, exploring Uli, the ancient iconography of Igbo women used on architectural facades and body tattoos. A rare portrait on paper, embellished with gold leaf, by modernist Geoffrey Mukasa (dubbed Uganda’s Picasso), hangs alongside contemporary works by Chika Idu, Christopher Samuel Idowu, Uchay Joel Chima, T. Badru, Olawale da Silva, and Alex Nwokolo, creating a powerful dialogue across generations of artists.
“By developing an exciting program of curated art events and live performances, we are committed to introducing new audiences to the best of African art,” said SMO’s Founder and Artistic Director, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago. “SMO has curated modern and contemporary art in leading public and private spaces for the past ten years. We are convinced that these types of collaborations increase art appreciation across diverse publics by presenting exceptional works by master artists and rising talent within beautifully designed, secure, and well-managed spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
“ARAMI is a family-owned legacy project committed to bringing bespoke gastronomic experiences to a growing population of discerning foodies,” explained Valentine Nwandu, CEO of the L’Ori Hospitality group. “Architectural interiors were designed by my wife and son, and our hospitality training and media departments are managed by our daughter Victoria. With its Hibachi stations, fine dining restaurant, bespoke private meeting rooms, and sweeping rooftop entertainment areas, we believe we will become Lagos’ best-kept secret for where to relax and enjoy exceptional culinary delights and the best of African artistry!”
