Characteristics of Nigerian Art

Art is an amazing way to get to know a previouslyas some of the finest craftsmanship in the world. For
unknown culture. It often reflects cultural diversity asgenerations artisans have created majestic pieces that
well as religious and ethnic origin. There are manyreflect the African heritage and are a direct link of the
unique societies throughout the globe and art is a waymany natural resources found in the region. Some of
to bring them all a little closer to home. Nigerian art isthese sculptures and other forms of art have been
certainly an excellent method to learn more about thatmade for use in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. It
ancient and fascinating region. Like many forms ofseems that everything that comes from this region is
traditional African art, Nigerian art reflects thatart in one form or another. The elaborate costumes
society’s need for beautiful as well functionaland stunning jewelry are all crafted with excellent
pieces. Many of the art forms created today in Nigeriaworkmanship, talent, and patience. Nigerian artists were
have their roots firmly planted in the traditions andsome of the first in the world to perfect the craft of
methods of their forbearers. The Nigerian people aremetal casting. Other forms of Nigerian art are
proud of their art and artists and it shows in theirleatherwork and intricate wood carvings.
dedication to the visual, audio, and performed artLike most of the other regions in Africa, Nigeria has
forms.made its mark and created a name for itself in the art
Traditional Nigerian art has been dated as far back asworld with its rich tradition of finely made art. The
2000 years. There are examples of this work inusefulness and beauty of this region’s offerings is
sculpture, paintings, and the most well known masks.awe inspiring. Nigerian art is a wonderful blend of
Some classic examples of materials used in thesetradition and modern elements that result in a stunning
ancient artifacts are wood, bronze, and coppers.visual display in so many different mediums. The
Fortunately for the modern world pieces can be seenbeautiful culture shines through in each and every
in countless museums around the world. Traditionalpiece.
music and dance can be heard and seen in religiousMr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in
and cultural events throughout the year.Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a
As previously noted, African art is often functional asMaster of Fine Art degree in Painting from The
well as beautiful. The Kano dye pits are an example ofHoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute
the ancient world meeting the modern one. The sameCollege of Art, Baltimore, USA.
techniques that have been used for thousands ofOne of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned
years are still used to create these fabric works of art.Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively
Indigo and vegetable dyes are used to make intricatein Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been
patterns on the cloth. When the material is beaten fordescribed as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.
a shiny appearance, the artists are implementing theIn 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the
same methods their ancestors did. This fabric is stillPollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited
very much in demand by locals and foreigners alike.to become a member of Africobra, an organization
The Kano style of textile is one of the most popularfounded in the 1960s and whose membership
form of modern Nigerian art.comprises of distinguished African-American artists.
Much of contemporary Nigerian art could be described