African Journal of
History and Culture

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Hist. Cult.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-6672
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJHC
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 197

Article in Press

HISTORICAL MILESTONES IN THE PROMOTION OF MODERN NIGERIAN ART THROUGH OSOGBO EXPERIMENTAL WORKSHOP (1961-1967) (The Nigerian Art Patrons/Connoisseurs)

Banjo, Abiodun

  •  Received: 07 June 2018
  •  Accepted: 07 June 2018
In the past, Nigerian art was described as being crude, primitive, inferior, unpolished and unsophisticated. Explorers from the Western part of the World viewed it as mere souvenir materials otherwise known as “curios”. Missionaries classified the Nigerian artistic works as being “fetish” and which should must be destroyed. Hence, the artistic works of Nigeria was not recognized globally. The upsurge of Modern Nigerian art at global level could be attributed to various Art patronages, acquisitions, sponsorship and workshops in different dimensions. This paper therefore attempts to trace the creative milestones covered by Osogbo Art Eexperimental Ccentre in promoting Modern Nigerian Art. Despite “harsh criticisms” which the Centre school attracted, mostly from the formally trained artists, yet the products from this Eexperimental Ccentre are contributing creatively to the Nigerian Art fame at global level. Finally, this paper concludes that Osogbo Experimental Workshop served as one of the numerous veritable vehicles for the promotion of Modern Nigerian Art. The methodology to be used in carrying out this research is Historical analysis of the evolution of Nigerian Art.