If you are visiting Nigeria and art is your thing, we’ve got your back. In the previous article, we added Ile Ife, Kaduna and Ibadan to Benin, Osogbo and Jos as places art enthusiasts should visit. Today we are looking at the heavy hitters and at least one or two more unpopular tourist destinations. Enjoy the ride:
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Yenagoa
Pages Art Gallery – Facebook
The capital of Bayelsa state does not immediately come to mind when art is being discussed. However, the state has produced artists both in music and fine arts that have become notable nationally. Most artworks from indigenes (like the Mangrove Giant sculpture by Late Prof. Jackson Ayerite Waribugo of Yenagoa) can be seen in other states. But if you happen to visit Yenegoa, check for Pages Art gallery, and the Visual arts division of the Bayelsa Council for Arts and Culture which functions as an art Gallery. Now and then, art exhibitions are held in the city and notable indigenous artists from Bayelsa including Pius Waritimi, Pamela Cyril-Egware, Panebi Jones, Perin Oglafa, Diseye Tantua, and Favour Jackson usually participate.
Igbo Ukwu
BBC
In the world of archaeology, this town in Anambra state has produced hundreds of quality artworks in iron, bronze, stone, glass and carnelian beads, copper, ivory, pottery and textiles. The historical acclaim of the artwork from this part of Nigeria is global. And you can view some of these art pieces and other art forms from the National Museum (aka Igbo Museum), the Odenigbo arts gallery, and the National Gallery of Arts.
3. Lagos
Bogobiri House – Booking
Lagos is not called the centre of excellence just for show. Even in art display, the luxurious environment given to art pieces makes the whole experience mind-blowing. For the amazing architecture around the city like National Arts Theatre (which houses the National Gallery of Modern Art), Kings Tower, Softcom Campus ‘Eko Novo’ and American International School Lagos Staff Residence to art hubs like Terra Kulture Arts and Studios and Temple Muse, Lagos lacks for nothing in the art world.
Here are some must-see places in Lagos for any art enthusiast: Civic centre, Nestoil Tower, Cathedral Church of Christ, Bogobiri House, Lagos Central Mosque, Nike Art Gallery, Red Door Gallery, ReLe Gallery, Omenka Gallery, Centre for Contemporary Art, Alara Concept store, etc.
4. Abuja
Abuja Arts and Craft Village – African City Guide
When visiting Abuja, it is no secret that you will have an architectural fest during a city tour. Places like the Abuja National Stadium, National Christian Centre, National Mosque, and more will catch your eye. And the Abuja Arts and Craft Village has become popularly known as the go-to place in Abuja for artworks. But have you checked out the black and white art pieces at Dolapo art Gallery, Nike Art Gallery + Textile Museum, orRetro Africa Gallery? If you haven’t please do. Also, for museums that hold amazing art pieces from all over Nigeria check out Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Discovery Museum in Discovery Park (an edutainment technology centre).
Nigeria is the home of creativity. These places mentioned in our three-part series are not the only places with explosions of art in Nigeria. But for a first try, any of these places will blow your mind.
Have you been to any of these towns? Let us know if there was any art hub or architectural buildings we missed in these articles that you believe others should know about.
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Ann Esievoadje is a freelance writer who is passionate about encouraging a reading culture and personal development. She has authored two books, The Quilt (fiction) and Being Mummy and Me (non-fiction). She manages Pulchra Publishing which offers a content creation/editing, transcription, different forms of writing (including Ghostwriting) service and her blog, Life Love and Anything Goes at annesievoadje.blogspot.com.ng. You can reach her at annesievoadje@gmail.com
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