Ryan Alabi’s Amaranthine Exhibition Sparks Social Change

Lagos-based portrait and fashion photographer, Ryan Alabi, has used his debut solo exhibition, Amaranthine: The Ceaseless Scent of Fashion Photography, to spotlight fashion as a powerful tool for social empowerment and transformation.

More than a celebration of style, Amaranthine is a visual storytelling project that explores the intersection of fashion, identity, dignity, and self-worth, particularly among everyday Lagosians grappling with life’s challenges.

The exhibition features portraits of individuals who once took pride in their appearance but have lost the means or confidence to express themselves through fashion.

“Fashion isn’t just about trends or aesthetics—it’s a language, a statement, and a force that shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us. With Amaranthine, I wanted to help people rediscover their value through the simple act of being seen,” Alabi said.

His portraits aim to restore his subjects’ sense of self-worth, challenging societal norms about visibility and appreciation.

“It’s about reclaiming one’s reflection. Many individuals have forgotten what it’s like to feel seen or celebrated. This project reminds them that they are radiant, valuable, and deeply human,” he explained.

Alabi also views fashion photography as a potential catalyst for broader socio-economic change.

He believes a thriving creative industry can provide meaningful employment for Nigerian youth and reshape public narratives around identity and self-esteem.

A self-taught photographer who began his journey in 2017, Alabi has developed a signature style blending emotional depth with minimalist elegance. He is the Lead Photographer at RyanOniFOTO Studios.

His work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Getty Images, CNN Africa Voices and GQ South Africa, and he was named one of Lagos’ Top 50 Photographers in 2024.