It was indeed an ode to the educators in Lagos, as a joint organised group exhibition popped up by the special courtesy of Iwalewa Art Gallery and Ogirikan Art Gallery. The two foremost and urbane – natured galleries laid a red – carpet moment for these mentors, teachers and leaders, who, stylishly unrbanised and modernized contemporary visual art. Writes Ireho Aito.

Metal Sculptor, artist and teacher, highly admirable Olu Amoda, in a colloquium, once said that he keeps reminding his students always that the best work they would ever produce is the one that naturally comes from their hearts. Olu Amoda, a retired senior lecturer at Yaba College of Technology, has inspired a lot of students and still giving them life to live. Likewise, Duke Asidere, a painter and former lecturer, revealed that leaving the classroom for full – time studio practice has not changed anything about him, concerning his love to teach and one of the reasons, he organises, Artist Talk in his PlaySpot Studio in Lagos periodically. Both Olu Amoda and Duke Asidere have been well exhibited at home and abroad with enormous private collections and landmark commissions.

In reality, the teaching profession, is one of the two most noble careers in the world. The other one is medicine. Simply, because, the two careers have one thing in common; just to save lives.

In reality, the teaching profession, is one of the two most noble careers in the world. The other one is medicine. Simply, because, the two careers have one thing in common; just to save lives.

Teachers are leaders. And My Lecturer Exhibition brings memories of encounters with some of the stakeholders in the visual art sector in Nigeria.

It brings nostalgic feelings at the release of My Lecturer Exhibition where the legends of the visual art history from one season to another, period and other periods, joined together, for an exhibition that was highly revered.

My first encounter with Bruce Onobrakpeya was in my first year in Secondary School at African Church Grammar School, Apata – Ganga, Ibadan, Oyo State.

My Secondary School English Literature teacher, Ms. Adewale’s charm and elegance at African Church Grammar School, Apata, Ibadan, still resonates till date. She made us to fall in love with literature.

It was our first literature class and our teacher, stylish Ms. Adewale, walked in at the right time, asking for our literature book for the term. We quickly brought out Sugar Girl. Sugar Girl is a 1964 Sugar Girl children’s novel written by Nigerian author Kola Onadipe. And we devoured some passages, to be continued, as the period for the class was over.

Of course, Ms. Adewale, asked who was the author and we chorused in unison ‘Kola Onadipe!’ which was very good by her.
Again, she questioned us further about the other name we saw on the flip. We chorused again, illustrator?! She answered, ‘yes.’ Few of us could muster Bruce… and the rest as they say, was history.

Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, remains a pioneer of contemporary arts in Nigeria. He is a teacher’s teacher, as he taught Fine Art at the famous Saint Gregory College, Lagos.

With his Zaria Rebels and Natural Synthesis fame, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, after the generation of Professor Ben Enwonwu, took visual arts to the summit. He brought out new motifs that are iconic and part of visual art lexicon globally. His Hydrochloric Acid Accident discovery, Plastography Deep Etching and other motifs gave printmaking a new recognition and demand. He is a Nonagerian at the moment but Bruce Onobrakpeya made our childhood memorable.

It was a class assignment we got from our literature teacher, not only to master the name of the illustrator but the meaning of an illustrator. It became a critical assignment before the next class as we were able to do justice to the name. But, not without a jaw – breaking session. The name Onobrakpeya finally got stuck on our jaw, as Ms. Adewale strolls in.

In the ever creative world of Nigerian visual arts, a new wave of creativity is sweeping through exhibition rooms, unveiling fresh faces and daring experimentalists. This resurgence in artistic expression has sparked curiosity about the origins of these young talents. Many of them emerge from the nurturing grounds of schools and training centers, where dedicated teachers and mentors play pivotal roles in shaping their artistic journeys. This phenomenon is vividly portrayed in events like “The Premiere 2024,” where an innovative concept called “My Lecturer Art Show” celebrates the profound influence of educators on their students’ artistic development.

A dynamic ode indeed to the art educators in Lagos, being celebrated in a remarkable group exhibition curated by Iwalewa Gallery of Art and Ogirikan Art Gallery. These modern institutions of creativity have orchestrated a red-carpet affair, honouring mentors and educators who boldly urbanized visual art with technology, captivating the youth.

They stand supreme like gladiators. Revolving within a combined career life of more that four – centuries shared among them. These are gentlemen of the art, creative and brilliant, urbane and debonair in appearance, marketable in personality, career and business. In fact, they speak art into our lives.

They stand supreme like gladiators. Revolving within a combined career life of more that four – centuries shared among them. These are gentlemen of the art, creative and brilliant, urbane and debonair in appearance, marketable in personality, career and business.

ADEOLA BALOGUN, BOLAJI OGUNWO, EGUASA OMODAMWEN, EL-DRAGG OKWOJU, IKORO EMMANUEL, KENT ONAH, KUNLE ADEYEMI, OLUWAFEMI OLOIDI, SAMUEL VIYAJE, SHOLA KUKOYI, TIMIPRE WILLIS AMAH, and WALE AJAYI—these luminaries redefine artistry. Painters, sculptors, photographers, graphic artists, and printmakers, each pioneers their medium, enlightening and engaging. Selected from various schools in Lagos, Benin and Auchi.

Their legacy extends beyond creation; as mentors and teachers, they generously sponsor young minds to exhibitions and workshops, nurturing the future of visual art, unveiling its profound impact and economic promise.

Their legacy extends beyond creation; as mentors and teachers, they generously sponsor young minds to exhibitions and workshops, nurturing the future of visual art, unveiling its profound impact and economic promise.

The relationship between studio practice and the classroom is a central theme explored in these exhibitions. It highlights how artists often transition from teaching to full-time studio work or seamlessly blend both pursuits. This dual role underscores the versatility and impact of educators who not only impart technical skills but also inspire creativity and critical thinking among their students.

However, the landscape of Nigerian visual arts has evolved dramatically with the advent of technology and economic shifts. The proliferation of universities and polytechnics across the country has decentralized artistic education, diversifying the sources of artistic talent. This expansion has made it challenging to discern the distinct influences of different schools or training centers on emerging artists, blurring the lines between academic and studio-based learning.

Amidst these changes, the contributions of art teachers and mentors remain indispensable. Figures like Bruce Onobrakpeya, Yusuf Grillo, Kolade Osinowo, Adeola Balogun, Olu Ajayi, Olu Amoda and Duke Asidere, exemplify this dedication, leaving a lasting legacy through their teaching and scholarly pursuits.

These educators not only nurture technical skills but also instil a deeper understanding of art’s cultural and societal significance, shaping the next generation of Nigerian artists.

The “My Lecturer Art Show” initiative arrives at a critical juncture, offering overdue recognition to these educators who often work behind the scenes. Many of them are not just teachers but also active participants in the art community, engaging in solo and group exhibitions, contributing essays and catalogues, and fostering dialogues that enrich the artistic discourse in Nigeria.

The exhibition not only honours the teachers’ contributions but also underscores their role as leaders within the visual arts community. It reinforces the idea that teaching is a noble profession, akin to medicine in its impact on society. By showcasing artworks influenced by these educators, the exhibition bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, demonstrating how pedagogy enriches artistic innovation.

As Nigeria’s art scene continues to evolve, these exhibitions serve as a testimony to the enduring influence of teachers and mentors in shaping artistic narratives. They remind us that behind every emerging artist is a dedicated educator who has imparted knowledge, nurtured talent, and kindled a passion for artistic expression. In celebrating these mentors, “My Lecturer Art Show” not only pays tribute to their tireless efforts but also reaffirms their crucial role in sustaining Nigeria’s dynamic visual arts landscape.

Words Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/ Photograph credit: http://www.artsy.net