A Journey Through the Rich Tapestry of Contemporary Nigerian Art
The meaning of life and the desire to transmit one's message, to be accepted by society or executed, the power that overthrows rulers and the will that makes them – this is how any manifestation of art can be described.
Nigeria is a country with a unique cultural heritage. From Nollywood to Wole Soyinka, we will trace the evolution of Nigerian contemporary artists and study their influence on the cultural and social development of the country.
Nigeria is a country with a unique cultural heritage. From Nollywood to Wole Soyinka, we will trace the evolution of Nigerian contemporary artists and study their influence on the cultural and social development of the country.
nigerian art
Daryna Markova
contributor DOM Art Residence
Dec 25, 2024
Historical Context
Like most Africans, early Nigerians saw art as inextricably linked to religion. Igbo wooden statues, formerly known as Ikeng pillars, served as ritual and relic storage locations. Several of these have survived to the present day and are housed at the National Museum of Nigeria in Lagos and the British Museum in London. Early Nigerians adhered to traditional visions. Everything changed with the entrance of the British colonists.
The colonial system introduced Western education, aiding contemporary art's growth. Young Nigerians have access to modern materials, skills, and ideas while rejecting traditional culture. As a result, the bronze styles of Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin, which date back to the 9th century A.D., as well as Ibeyi wood carvings and other cultural treasures, were under threat of extinction.
Following Nigeria's independence in the 1960s, there was an enormous cultural explosion. Contemporary art was created by combining techniques brought from the West with centuries-old cultural values, resulting in exoticism and originality that draws in viewers.
Interesting: In 2022, Brotherhood was the most successful Nollywood film. This Nigerian production generated a gross box office revenue of approximately 329 million Nigerian Naira, which is equivalent to roughly 416,000 US dollars. Hollywood films accounted for the majority of revenue earned by the film industry in Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria. Nollywood production received 30% of the total share.
The colonial system introduced Western education, aiding contemporary art's growth. Young Nigerians have access to modern materials, skills, and ideas while rejecting traditional culture. As a result, the bronze styles of Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, and Benin, which date back to the 9th century A.D., as well as Ibeyi wood carvings and other cultural treasures, were under threat of extinction.
Following Nigeria's independence in the 1960s, there was an enormous cultural explosion. Contemporary art was created by combining techniques brought from the West with centuries-old cultural values, resulting in exoticism and originality that draws in viewers.
Interesting: In 2022, Brotherhood was the most successful Nollywood film. This Nigerian production generated a gross box office revenue of approximately 329 million Nigerian Naira, which is equivalent to roughly 416,000 US dollars. Hollywood films accounted for the majority of revenue earned by the film industry in Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria. Nollywood production received 30% of the total share.
Old-school of Nigerian art
Individual Nigerian artists' names were rarely documented before colonization, as art was typically created collectively or within specialized guilds rather than individually. However, archeological findings and historical studies have uncovered art schools associated with Nigeria's major cultural centers. Here are a few of the main ones.
Yoruba woodcarvers
Historically, the Yoruba were predominantly farmers, raising cash commodities such as cocoa and yams. Their woodcarvers, on the other hand, deserve to be respected. Healers wore Yoruba masks to expel bad spirits from possessed individuals. The most stunning carved pieces of art were erected near sanctuaries. Multiple traditions of disguise resulted in a wide range of mask shapes. Occasionally, terracotta and brass were used to adorn wood.
Yoruba woodcarvers
Historically, the Yoruba were predominantly farmers, raising cash commodities such as cocoa and yams. Their woodcarvers, on the other hand, deserve to be respected. Healers wore Yoruba masks to expel bad spirits from possessed individuals. The most stunning carved pieces of art were erected near sanctuaries. Multiple traditions of disguise resulted in a wide range of mask shapes. Occasionally, terracotta and brass were used to adorn wood.
Benin Foundrymen
Olfert Dapper, a Dutch writer and physician, released a description of Africa in 1668. The book chronicled various African countries, notably the Kingdom of Benin, based on comprehensive accounts from the West India Company. Today, the territory is known as Nigeria, and the pieces can be found at the Edo Museum of West African Art.
Olfert Dapper, a Dutch writer and physician, released a description of Africa in 1668. The book chronicled various African countries, notably the Kingdom of Benin, based on comprehensive accounts from the West India Company. Today, the territory is known as Nigeria, and the pieces can be found at the Edo Museum of West African Art.
Engravers of the Calabar School
The Calabar School was established during Nigeria's British colonial rule. Traditional arts and crafts were adapting to the new circumstances at the time. Unlike other regional schools in Nigeria, this guild made great use of figures representing prestige, power, and ancestral connections. As a result, Nigerian bone engravers became well-known around the world, and the National Museum of Calabar holds certain copies of their surviving works.
The Calabar School was established during Nigeria's British colonial rule. Traditional arts and crafts were adapting to the new circumstances at the time. Unlike other regional schools in Nigeria, this guild made great use of figures representing prestige, power, and ancestral connections. As a result, Nigerian bone engravers became well-known around the world, and the National Museum of Calabar holds certain copies of their surviving works.
Modern Nigerian artists
Post-colonial Nigerian artists underwent significant transformations shaped by the nation's political changes, cultural reassertion, and global influences. Following the country’s independence in 1960, arts sought to redefine its cultural identity in response to colonial legacies while simultaneously exploring new artistic methods.
Chuka Umeh and Tobias Ige created works that depicted themes of freedom, social justice, and cultural independence, often critiquing the post-independence political situation. On the other hand, artist Ben Enwonwu integrated both African themes and Western academic techniques in his paintings and sculptures, thus contributing to the development of a unique artistic voice.
Here we got the top 5 contemporary artists from Nigeria who built the global art world.
Chuka Umeh and Tobias Ige created works that depicted themes of freedom, social justice, and cultural independence, often critiquing the post-independence political situation. On the other hand, artist Ben Enwonwu integrated both African themes and Western academic techniques in his paintings and sculptures, thus contributing to the development of a unique artistic voice.
Here we got the top 5 contemporary artists from Nigeria who built the global art world.
Lemi Ghariokwu
Lemi Ghariokwu is a well-known artist outside of Nigeria. His work is instantly identifiable by the use of vivid colors and broad geometric lines, which create a striking visual effect. The compositions tend to become highly stylized, with exaggerated proportions or abstract shapes that add vitality and immediacy to political ideas.
Obinna Makata
Obinna Makata is one of the Nigerian contemporary artists. Makata draws inspiration from everyday life and the ever-changing culture of his space. Using waste in his work, he addresses the issue of consumerism and materialism that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of society. Through these everyday objects, he addresses topics such as contemporary troubles related to race and African culture.
Modupeola Fadugba
Modupeola Fadugba is a multimedia contemporary artist working in painting, drawing, and socially engaged installation. With a background in engineering, education, and economics, she can easily negotiate the junction of multiple fields. Her work delves into cultural identity, social justice, game theory, and the art world as they relate to Nigeria's sociopolitical situation and the greater global economy. Modupeola Fadugba worked with ArtDocs to film the creation of these artworks, which were exhibited in New York in 2019.
Olumide Onadipe
Olumide Onadipe is a prominent Nigerian artist who works across disciplines. He is known for his innovative use of materials, particularly recycled plastic. His work often addresses contemporary pains such as migration, social customs, and environmental degradation. Olumide Onadipe highlights the multi-layered meanings behind physical objects and events, inviting viewers to explore their interpretations.
Uche Okeke
A founder of contemporary art. Okeke discovered Uli art's patterns, symbolism, and aesthetics extensively before incorporating its abstract, fluid forms into modern pieces. His compositions often touched on Igbo mythology, folklore, and spiritual topics, reflecting his cultural heritage. Okeke's crusade for the restoration of African art after independence extended beyond his artwork – generations of peers who respect the traditions are times more precious than descendants who ignore their heritage.
Brush moved through the history: Future of Nigerian Art
Nigeria is a country that has faced lots of challenges. The perception of artists is still two sides of the river, whenever numerous agree on one thing – contemporary art is an integral part of communication with society in the fight for rights and ethnic and cultural value.
The canvases of Nigerian artists are multifaceted in conveying feelings and forms of presentation: from classical painting to full-fledged installations. And, perhaps, the main thing that rushes them is the desire to show the world their position.
The canvases of Nigerian artists are multifaceted in conveying feelings and forms of presentation: from classical painting to full-fledged installations. And, perhaps, the main thing that rushes them is the desire to show the world their position.
