US Honours Davies-Okundaye, Buraimoh, Onobrakpeya, Marks 50 Years of Artistic Collaboration

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

In commemoration of 50 years of artistic collaborations between the United States and Nigeria, the US Mission has honoured three legendary Nigerian artists: Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, with the US Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The award recognised the three iconic artists, who first travelled to the United States over 50 years ago, as participants of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP).

The ceremony gathered a distinguished audience, including political and business leaders, diplomats, academic figures, arts curators and collectors, as well as alumni of various US government exchange programmes, a statement from the mission said.
US Ambassador, Richard Mills, presented each of the artists with a commemorative certificate, honouring their exceptional commitment to their artistic craft, dedicated mentorship of emerging creatives, and contributions that have strengthened the bonds between the people of the United States and Nigeria. 

In his remarks, Mills noted that the US government was committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that nurture cultural exchange, promote artistic expression and preserve cultural heritage.

In addition, he stated that the country supports the strengthening of the capacity of Nigerian artists and professionals across the creative industries.

 He highlighted the role of US government exchange programme alumni in having a positive impact on their communities in many fields, including the creative economy.

“Art has the power to connect people and communities across the world,”  Mills said, adding “This is why we supported these programmes 50 years ago, we support them now, and we will continue supporting them far into the future.” 

One of the awardees, Davies-Okundaye, founder of Nigeria’s renowned Nike Art Gallery, has mentored students worldwide in the traditional art of Adire and Batik.

 Her works are displayed internationally, including at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC.
“Participating in the US government exchange programme has significantly impacted my life, opening up new opportunities and perspectives that have shaped my career path and personal development,” Davies-Okundaye said. 

“I am very happy to see this day,” awardee and celebrated bead painter, Buraimoh, said of the recognition.  “Going to the US on an exchange programme 50 years ago in 1974, was truly transformative, giving me an opportunity to share my work widely and mentor the next generation of artists,” he added.

 Buraimoh’s artwork has been exhibited globally, and he has taught at prestigious institutions, including the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

For his part, at 92,  Onobrakpeya continues to be a towering figure in the Nigerian visual art scene, working across painting, printmaking, installation, and sculpture.

He noted that the award recognition was a challenge to up-and-coming artist to remain dedicated to their craft.

“I am very excited and encouraged. I will continue to pay it forward by nurturing future talent in the industry,” he added.

Notable as the illustrator for Chinua Achebe’s No Longer at Ease, Onobrakpeya has exhibited globally, including the current exhibition “The Mask and the Sword” at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and remains one of West Africa’s most celebrated 20th century artists.

The event was organised by the US Mission in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Rele Arts Foundation; Lauren Tate Baeza, Curator of African Art at the High Museum of Art. It also got support from Delta Airlines.

The event highlighted the historic US-Nigeria people-to-people connections in the visual arts as well as the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta.