TEXTURES OF HUMANITY
Lagos witnessed a rare moment of artistic clarity and global resonance with the unveiling of Reed Davis’ “Textures of Humanity”, the American photographer’s first exhibition on African soil. A decade in the making—captured across East, West, North, and Southern Africa—the project arrives not to correct or reinterpret African narratives, but as an inquiry from an artist who spent ten years listening, observing, and asking the right questions.
The opening began with an intimate private dinner on 14 November, hosted by Chef Eros of Ile Eros at NAHOUS. The dimly lit room—curated with meticulous textures, restrained elegance, and atmospheric warmth—created a cinematic setting for the first preview of the installation. Guests described the night as “beyond spectacular,” an immersive experience where each course echoed the emotional richness of Reed’s images. By the end of the evening, every available copy of Textures of Humanity had sold out, marking an extraordinary reception for the book’s official launch.
The following day, nearly 200 attendees filled NAHOUS for the public opening. Lokito elevated the atmosphere with their now-signature Palmwine cocktails and a spread of some of West Africa’s finest finger foods. Collectors mingled with curators, emerging photographers stood beside cultural custodians, and conversations flowed effortlessly—about identity, memory, vision, and the ethics of witnessing. Across the room, one sentiment was unanimous: Reed’s work resonated deeply.
What distinguishes this project is its humility. Though Reed is celebrated globally—including his tenure as the official photographer for Martha Stewart Living—his African archive is defined by restraint, respect, and an intentional absence of ego. His images do not claim authority; they honour presence.
They reflect lived realities rather than aestheticize them. They reveal the continent through textures—of skin, fabric, time, ritual, community, and landscape.
Here in Lagos, Reed Davis did not arrive to explain Africa.
He arrived to understand it.
“Textures of Humanity” stands as one of the most thoughtful photographic installations the city has seen in recent years: globally attuned, locally grounded, and profoundly human. The exhibition is open for one month at NAHOUS, offering visitors an extended opportunity to engage with this monumental body of work.
For those who could not secure a copy during the launch, the book is now available for purchase on Reed’s newly launched mobile app, ELAN, further extending the reach of this important project to global audiences.
A decade of images.
Two unforgettable days.
And a Lagos debut that cements Reed Davis as a global storyteller in meaningful dialogue with the continent that shaped this work.
