NIKE DAVIES-OKUNDAYE

Nigeria, filled with more than 250 ethnic groups, has one of the richest cultures globally, with Art being one of the country’s mediums of expression. Nigerian Art takes you into a world heavily explored by stone, wood and glass carvings, pottery, wire works, metal works, paintings, and more. The average Nigerian sees their country’s Art as deep, distinctive, and Afrocentric and have realized it’s part of what we have to help keep our culture alive. Many art lovers have widely recognized the last two decades as the Nigerian art renaissance, thanks to a homegrown appreciation for indigenous Art, artists and a healthy market boom. Now Nigerian Art is a pride of its people and the rest of Africa. Many artists are making their marks in Nigeria and the rest of the world, but here are a few that on our radar, making Nigeria proud.

Nike Davies-Okundaye needs little or no introduction. Many readily identify her as the speaker who has given many lectures in Ivy league schools but has no formal education. Teaching herself English after dropping out of school after her sixth form, Nike has risen above many challenges like child marriage, menial jobs, among others, to find success in the Art industry.

Fondly referred to as “Mama Nike”, she is one of Nigeria’s foremost Batik and Adire artists and designer. She is the most prominent curator of Art in Nigeria and owns the prestigious Nike Art Gallery in the heart of Lagos in Lekki; and also is the founder of Nike Art and Culture Centre in Lagos, Abuja Kogi and Osun.