Banana Island Living Podcasts

The Arty Architect

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Episode notes

Anyone claiming to know anything about the art scene in Nigeria who hasn’t heard of Jess Castellote really needs to get out more; or perhaps just get out of the art scene altogether. Jess himself is rather more self-effacing, self-deprecating and ultra-low key. He arrived in Nigeria as an architect volunteer in 1984, fell in love with ART (the capital letter is the story) and, fast forward forty years, he has conceived, designed and built probably the best university museum in West Africa. Oh, and managed to write six art books and obtain a Ph. D along the way.

Impatient, passionate and incredibly driven, Jess is driven to live that elusive purpose-driven life.


In this episode, we discuss:


  • Art in Nigeria – a view; from the panoramic to the vignette;
  • The dummy’s guide to actualising your dream – the story of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art;
  • Collectors, gate keepers and dealers – the market as a measure of quality;
  • Churching and chilling – stay with us on this one, it will all make sense;
  • Football, Lamin, Luz Casal, Teresa (not the Mother T) and the art of turbo charged multi-tasking.


Jess’s admiration and reverence is not for the obvious or usual. He is a builder – of people, ideas, structures and yes, of self.

This episode might just trigger some angst-ridden navel dissection.  But so, so worth it.


Links Mentioned:

Arthur C Brooks – Build the Life You Want

Luz Casal -  Piensa En Mi

Jess Castellote - Contemporary Nigerian Art in Lagos Private Collections

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