A Presentation of the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive, with a Discussion and Reading from Art on My Mind: Visual Politics by bell hooks
Join us at G.A.S. Lagos on 17th July 2026 for our Library Open Day, an opportunity to delve deeper into the resources of the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive. Established in 2022, the library holds a growing collection covering the visual arts of Sub-Saharan Africa and its diaspora. At its core is the Picton Archive and Reference Collection, a specialist collection on African art following the lifetime gift of a personal library from Emeritus Professor of African Art (University of London) John Picton, and Sue Picton.
Throughout the day, attendees can browse the shelves, explore the catalogue, ask questions about the collection, and discover books and materials to support their research and creative practice. We will also introduce the G.A.S. Library Club, a new initiative centred on reading groups, field trips, discussions, and other programmes designed to foster deeper engagement with the collection throughout the year.
Following this, there will be a reading and discussion of Art on My Mind: Visual Politics by bell hooks, led by G.A.S. intern Maryam Muhammad and Library Assistant Damilola Joseph. The session will explore its opening chapter, which reflects on the pursuit of artistic identity in the face of dismissal, and challenges narrow ideas of what Black art is allowed to represent.
Event Details
Date: 17th July, 2026
Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Programme:
- Library Open day: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
- Book Reading: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: 9b, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off T.F. Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos
This event is free to attend, however it is mandatory to register to secure your spot.
About the Facilitators
Damilola Joseph
Damilola Joseph is the Library Assistant at G.A.S. Foundation, where he manages the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive. He is currently a final-year student at the University of Lagos, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science. Prior to joining G.A.S., he gained management and hands-on experience at Ikoyi Club 1938, where he was involved in developing, organising, and classifying information materials within the club’s on-site library. He also holds a certification in Data Analytics, which supports his role in managing the digital catalogue of the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive’s publication materials. In addition, he has volunteered at inaugural lectures and book launches, further expanding his experience within academic and literary environments.
Maryam Muhammad
Maryam Muhammad is a rising junior at Spelman College, where she majors in Art History and minors in French. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she has a passion for African and African American art and fashion. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in the museum field through exhibition curation.
Photo of Maryam Muhammad.
Maryam's Internship is generously supported by Spelman College and the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective (AUC Collective)
