Ben Enwonwu’s Exhibition: Preserving Nigeria’s Artistic, Cultural Legacy 

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, in collaboration with Coronation Group Limited and renowned fine art auctioneers Bonhams, recently unveiled an iconic exhibition celebrating the life and works of Nigerian Master Sculptor, Ben Enwonwu. Hosted at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, the Legacy Exhibition offered art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore the iconic creations of one of Africa’s most celebrated modernist artists, who blended traditional Nigerian aesthetics with global artistic movements. Beyond this, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it reinforced the need to preserve Nigeria’s artistic and cultural legacy 

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), in partnership with Coronation Group Limited and fine art auctioneers, Bonhams, recently opened a new museum exhibit: a dynamic look into the career of Nigerian master sculptor, Ben Enwonwu. To explore some of the masterpieces, the gates of the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, were open to art lovers to enjoy the legacy exhibition. 

Entitled Building a Nation – Ben Enwonwu and the Impact of Sculpture, the new exhibition at the National Museum, Lagos was another important step in preserving Nigeria’s artistic and cultural legacy as it featured more than a dozen of Enwonwu’s world-famous works – including his 1957 masterpiece portrait statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II –, thus highlighting the artist’s enduring influence on Nigerian and pan-African art across the globe. 

The museum exhibition on 12 November 2024 was attended by the Honourable Minister of Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; art-lover, and Chairman of Coronation Group Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Ambassador, Embassy of France in Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier; Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway; Head of the Regional Economic Department for Nigeria and Ghana, French Embassy in Nigeria, Florent Mangin, amongst other art enthusiast and stakeholders at the epoch event. 

Ben Enwonwu: Increasing the Visibility of Modern African Art 

Why is this important? In 1950, Enwonwu was described as “Africa’s greatest artist” and has since been labelled a modernist icon. In his world travels, he became a staunch proponent of the Harlem renaissance, the negritude movement, and spent decades helping to increase the visibility of modern African art while preserving antiquities.

Undoubtedly, Ben Enwonwu has played a pivotal role in establishing modern African art on the global stage by blending traditional African motifs with contemporary Western techniques. His works, such as Tutu and Anyawu, became cultural symbols that bridged the gap between traditional African artistry and modernist aesthetics.

Thus, by showcasing African heritage in a modern context, he redefined global perceptions of African art and culture and this was shown by his representation in international circles as the first African artist to gain formal recognition and significant commissions internationally. His appointment as Nigeria’s first Federal Art Adviser and commissions, such as the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighted African art’s sophistication and cultural depth. 

This visibility challenged stereotypes and placed African art in esteemed global galleries and exhibitions. Also, he was a strong advocate for preserving African antiquities and traditional art forms. He spoke against the indiscriminate export and exploitation of African artifacts by colonial powers. As an artist, he actively integrated traditional cultural elements into his works, ensuring that Africa’s rich artistic heritage remained at the forefront of his creative expression. 

Essentially, by integrating African heritage into his modern works and advocating for the protection of antiquities, Ben Enwonwu ensured that African art gained global recognition while its historical roots remained intact.

Need for Private Sector in Africa’s Cultural Preservation 

Harping on the need for the private sector to be an integral part of Africa’s cultural preservation movement, 

Philanthropist and Chairman of Coronation Group Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said such true preservation will come from commitment of people from the sector, who are willing to invest in the cultural heritage. 

He said: “In Nigeria, as in many African nations, we face a profound responsibility to preserve our art and heritage. If we lose our art, our culture, and our expressions, we risk losing parts of ourselves. It is essential for us, as individuals and institutions, to support and sustain the work of leaders in the arts and culture sector, which is why Coronation is collaborating with NCMM and Bohmans at this event. 

“True preservation, however, will come from the commitment of people like you and me—people willing to invest in our cultural legacy. Today, I urge all of us to take pride in our rich artistic heritage and advocate for its survival. I look forward to the day when future generations can walk through these museums, just as we did, inspired and connected to their roots. Let us share the journey with others, support our art, and help elevate Nigerian and African culture to new heights.” 

Role of Cultural Preservation in Nation Building

Harping on the role of cultural preservation in nation-building, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described Ben Enwonwu as one of the national treasures, not only of Nigeria but of Africa. 

Reiterating the need for public-private partnership, she said: “One of our core mandates as a ministry and as government is to work for the private sector. Of my eight-point agenda, I think for us, number five is really about public-private partnership, and we have incorporated this into every project we’re doing.”

Drawing Parallels between Ancient Nigerian Art, Modern Artistic Expressions 

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Public Olugbile Holloway, said the exhibition had a core focus on drawing parallels between ancient Nigerian art and modern artistic expressions, exploring Enwonwu’s role in shaping cultural and national identity, particularly in the years preceding Nigeria’s independence. 

Speaking, he said: “We are here today to pay homage to the past, not just our fight for independence, but also the spirit of self-determination that was burning across our continent at the time. I am not sure it is possible to speak of a renewed hope agenda without alluding to renewed heritage first. 

“The National Commission for Museums and Monuments remains committed to ensuring that our past is not left to decay, and I invite you all to join us on this epic journey.” Researcher and Art historian Neil Coventry explained that throughout history, sculptures have served as powerful vessels for capturing and preserving cultural narratives. Ben Enwonwu’s work uses the sculptural form to delve into complex themes like African identity and Nigeria’s cultural narrative. 

“This exhibition highlights the significance of storytelling through Enwonwu’s sculptures, which breathe life into historical, spiritual and social narratives, connecting Nigeria’s past with its future. By presenting Enwonwu’s sculptures alongside the National Museum’s permanent collection, visitors are invited to reflect on the continuum between ancient and modern art. This juxtaposition demonstrates how artists through their mastery of form and symbol have used sculpture across centuries as a means to document, critique and inspire”. 

Highlighting the Significance of Storytelling through Sculptures

Highlighting the significance of storytelling through sculptures, Researcher and Art historian, Neil Coventry, said throughout history, sculptures have served as powerful vessels for capturing and preserving cultural narratives, adding that Ben Enwonwu’s work uses such sculptural form to delve into complex themes like African identity and Nigeria’s cultural narrative.

He said: “This exhibition highlights the significance of storytelling through Enwonwu’s sculptures, which breathe life into historical, spiritual and social narratives, connecting Nigeria’s past with its future. 

“By presenting Enwonwu’s sculptures alongside the National Museum’s permanent collection, visitors are invited to reflect on the continuum between ancient and modern art. This juxtaposition demonstrates how artists through their mastery of form and symbol have used sculpture across centuries as a means to document, critique and inspire.”

Coronation Group’s Significant Contributions to Art

By partnering with renowned art auctioneers like Bonhams and also the NCMM, the Coronation Group has always played a role in developing a vibrant art market for African works. Its significant contributions to the development and promotion of art, particularly in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and initiatives, thus elevating African art and culture to global recognition. 

Also, by investing in Art Preservation, the Coronation Group has shown a dedication to preserving African art and history by supporting initiatives that protect and conserve cultural artifacts. By funding exhibitions and museum projects, the group helps ensure the legacy of African art remains accessible to future generations, thereby inspiring cultural pride in African heritage.

This was also nuanced by its Chairman when he regaled art enthusiasts on how his love for The Arts was nurtured from childhood, as he would after close from school and spend his afternoons at the National Museum, revelling in the joy of art.

Essentially, Coronation Group’s efforts are part of a broader vision to integrate art into the socioeconomic and cultural development of the continent, ensuring that Africa’s artistic legacy continues to inspire and thrive globally.

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In Nigeria, as in many African nations, we face a profound responsibility to preserve our art and heritage. If we lose our art, our culture, and our expressions, we risk losing parts of ourselves. It is essential for us, as individuals and institutions, to support and sustain the work of leaders in the arts and culture sector, which is why Coronation is collaborating with NCMM and Bohmans