For Nigerian artists, resilience—not gloom—is the defining feature of their work, says collector and gallery owner Ugoma Ebilah.“What you see in visual expressions—whether sculpture, painting, photography, or music—is essentially a portrait of a people who are deeply resilient, innovative, and creative, despite the challenges,” she explained.Since the 1980s and 1990s, modern Nigerian artists have gained global recognition, with many in the diaspora seeking to reflect their identity and culture in their homes, noted Nkiru Nzegwu, a professor of African studies at Binghamton University, U.S.Beyond international appeal, Nigeria’s expanding domestic economy has fostered a strong local art market, cementing Lagos as a cultural hub for artists across West Africa.For gallerist Keshiro, the vibrancy of the scene is undeniable. A particular sculpture has captivated her, and she’s determined to make it hers.“I’m trying to see how I can acquire that before anybody else does,” she said.