One of the leading luxury footwear makers in Nigeria, Ethnik has added to its collections “Amaros” an art inspiration from pre-colonial architecture.
The new collection was launched in grand style having many lovers and players in arts and afrocentric products at the Red Door Gallery on Victoria Island.
Alongside “Amaros”, there was a showcase of other beautifully crafted and well-designed collections at the gallery, where invited guests worked round to feel and touch these aesthetics.
“History is a huge part of our lives and it helps us to trace our heritage and learn about our culture. As a photographer and designer, I take culture and history very seriously, hence the motivation to document these beautiful building,” says Tunde Awolabi, Founder and Creative Director at Ethnik.
Tunde Awolabi, who has been a talented published photographer in recent times, gives a chronological account and inspiration behind the launch of “Amaros” collection.
Narrating his source of inspiration, he says the Brazilian inspired buildings see across Nigeria will catch anybody off guard and bring back a tidal wave of memories.
“Some of these buildings are over hundred years old and still standing but unfortunately, civilisation and new wave of development has caused the demolition of most of them especially in Lagos.”
Gazing my eyes at some of the artworks, while working round the gallery, Tunde laments that some of the demolished building are supposed to be the heritages, just as found in other parts of the world.
“Some of these houses were built by the returnee slaves in Lagos Island I the late 1800s and was once called Casa do Fernandez named after the first owners of the house. This house could have been refurbished and preserved for years instead it was brought down.”
About The Author
