Here’s a research overview on two of the listed Nigerian artists:
1. Aina Onabolu
Place of Origin/Birth: Aina Onabolu was born in 1882 in Oyo, Nigeria.
Area of Specialization: He was a portrait artist and is often regarded as one
of the first Nigerian artists to practice and promote Western-style painting,
particularly portraiture.
Contribution to Art in Nigeria:
Aina Onabolu played a pivotal role in the development of modern art in
Nigeria. He was one of the earliest Nigerian artists to receive formal training
in the Western style of art.
He was instrumental in the establishment of Nigerian art as a formal
discipline, focusing on realism in portrait painting.
His works served as a bridge between traditional African art and Western art
traditions, encouraging the emergence of a local art movement influenced by
both worlds.
He also trained several students, contributing to the growth of Nigerian art
education.
Examples of Works:
Portrait of Oba Adeyemi of Oyo – One of his well-known portraits.
Portrait of the British Colonial Officer – Another notable piece highlighting his
skill in portraiture.
2. Akinola Lasekan
Place of Origin/Birth: Akinola Lasekan was born in 1920 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Area of Specialization: He was a painter and one of the prominent Nigerian
modernist artists. Lasekan was known for his use of bright colors and vivid
imagery.
Contribution to Art in Nigeria:
Lasekan contributed significantly to the visual arts in Nigeria, particularly
with his focus on modernism and his unique style that fused traditional
African elements with Western techniques.
He was instrumental in advancing the development of modern Nigerian art
by infusing it with the use of vibrant color and the expression of Nigerian
identity.
Lasekan’s works were pivotal in the growth of Nigerian nationalism in the
arts, especially during the period of Nigerian independence in the 1960s.
He also created works that depicted scenes of Nigerian life, cultural
practices, and historical figures, contributing to the documentation of
Nigeria's cultural heritage.
Examples of Works:
"African Queen" – A vivid portrayal of a Nigerian woman.
"Festival at the Palace" – This work reflects Nigerian royalty and traditional
events, depicting them in modernist style.
Both artists played influential roles in the evolution of Nigerian visual arts,
bridging traditional and contemporary elements while making significant
contributions to the cultural landscape of the country.
