Words Ireho Aito | Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!

The conversation around legacy, sustainability, and creative mastery in Nigerian art takes center stage on October 16, 2025, as Arkland Group presents the Art Talk under the theme “Mastership and Legacies: A Cauldron of Art and Its Sustainability.” The session, is part of The Legacy Series at the ICONS II Masters’ Exhibition, which will be held at Phoenix Tower, Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 5 PM.

This edition of the Legacy Series promises to be a confluence of experience and foresight, featuring a stellar line-up of panelists whose collective careers mirror the evolution of Nigerian contemporary art. The distinguished panel includes Edosa Ogiugo, Bunmi Babatunde, Duke Asidere, Abiodun Olaku, and Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, with Dr. Mufu Onifade serving as moderator.

Each of these masters represents a chapter in Nigeria’s artistic journey from the rigour of studio practice to the mentorship of emerging creatives. Their works and teachings have shaped multiple generations, establishing Nigeria as a beacon of artistic ingenuity on the continent.

The Art Talk aims to unpack vital questions surrounding the sustainability of artistic practice in a rapidly changing creative economy. What does it mean to be a “master” in today’s digital and globalised art scene? How do artists sustain relevance, community, and cultural continuity while mentoring the next generation? These questions will be explored through personal reflections, professional insights, and cross-generational dialogue.

According to the organizers, The Legacy Series is envisioned as more than an exhibition. The Legacy Series is a movement toward preserving artistic heritage and fostering mentorship. By highlighting the intersection of mastery and legacy, the conversation underscores art’s enduring role as both a cultural record and a living dialogue.

With art collectors, scholars, curators, and enthusiasts expected in attendance, this Art Talk will no doubt deepen appreciation for the traditions and transformations that define Nigerian art today and chart pathways for its sustainable future.