Abstract
This article explores the discourse surrounding avant-gardism in twentieth-century Nigerian art. It argues that the concept of the avant-garde, often associated with Western art historical narratives, finds a unique and oblique expression within the Nigerian context. The study analyzes how Nigerian artists engaged with and adapted modern artistic ideas, developing distinct approaches that challenged colonial aesthetic impositions and contributed to the formation of a post-colonial artistic identity. Through an examination of key artists, art movements, and critical reception, the article sheds light on the multifaceted nature of artistic innovation and its embeddedness within broader socio-political and cultural landscapes.
Keywords
Nigerian Art, Avant-gardism, Twentieth-Century Art, Post-colonial Art, Art Discourse, Modern African Art, Art History, Cultural Identity
Full Text
This article explores the discourse surrounding avant-gardism in twentieth-century Nigerian art. It argues that the concept of the avant-garde, often associated with Western art historical narratives, finds a unique and oblique expression within the Nigerian context. The study analyzes how Nigerian artists engaged with and adapted modern artistic ideas, developing distinct approaches that challenged colonial aesthetic impositions and contributed to the formation of a post-colonial artistic identity. Through an examination of key artists, art movements, and critical reception, the article sheds light on the multifaceted nature of artistic innovation and its embeddedness within broader socio-political and cultural landscapes.