A Presentation of Ongoing Research and Works by Afsian Aguilar and Alexandra Mitiku
Join us on September 30th, 2026, for Residency Open Studio, a presentation of ongoing research and works by current residents Afsian Aguilar and Alexandra Mitiku. Together, they will open their studios to share the practices and questions shaping their time at G.A.S. The presentation will delve into their distinct focuses. Afsian considers home, identity, and the body through painting, collage, fabric, and installation while Alexandra explores oceanic and ecological memory through Édouard Glissant’s writing and Lagos’ mangrove ecosystems.
This event invites the public into the spaces where they have been living and working, offering a closer look at their practices and an opportunity to offer feedback as their work continues to develop.
Event Details
Date: 30th September 2026
Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: 9b, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off T.F. Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos
This event is free to attend, however it is essential to RSVP to secure your spot.
Programme Schedule
4:00-4:30 Welcome
4:30 - 5:00 Afsian’s Presentation
5:00-5:15 - Q& A
5:15 - 5:45 Alexandra’s Presentation
5:45 - 6:00 Q&A
6:00 - 7:00 Personal viewing of works, refreshments and closing
About the Residents
Afsian Aguilar
Born on August 3, 2002, in the Land of Milk and Honey, Afsian Aguilar Ibura (24) is an adopted child of Filipina and African immigrant descent. His biological mother is Filipina, and his father is an African-American Jew. Raised in his adoptive parents’ home, Afsian developed a deep love for both the arts and sciences. He grew up speaking only English and attended Tabeetha School, a private English-speaking school in Jaffa, where his artistic passions flourished. In 2020, he began his first degree at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. Today, Afsian is a full-time artist based in Tel Aviv and works part-time as an educator for children. Afsian is currently doing his Master’s degree in the Arts at Bezalel Academy.
Photo of Afsian Aguilar. Photo: Mark Taberna.
Alexandra Mitiku
Alexandra Mitiku (b. 1992) is an artist-poet whose practice looks at fantasy and desire as a way to transform oppressive systems; starting with the ones which are internalized. At the heart of her practice lies a river of 한 / Han - a Korean cultural sentiment of deep unresolved grief and rage. This emotional structure is tied to systemic or personal injustice; and the hope for change. It is carried and passed on, evolving through generations. This river becomes a symbolic element in her works; a way of aquatic activation, where metaphysical undercurrents are seen as an influential presence rather than an absence. Her works have been recently acquired by the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma (2024) and the Helsinki Art Museum (2026). She is the recipient of a 3 year working grant from Koneen Säätiö (2025-2027).
Headshot of Alexandra Mitiku. Photo: Armando Tranquille.
Afsian's residency is generously supported by Artis while Alexandra's residency is realised in collaboration with the Finnish Cultural Foundation.
