Universal Studios at 40: How Icons Assemble to Showcase Creative Energy

Yinka Olatunbosun

It was not a walk in the park for artists who groomed their turf at the Universal Studios of Art many years ago. After forty years of existence of this studio of art, the masters that have emerged from the rigorous training at the leading visual art hub united in November to showcase their creativity.

The studios, which evolved to become a most-sought venue to acquire a variety of art skills, began in 1980 as the National Gallery of Art Studios. In 1996, the name was changed to the Universal Studios of Art parading artistry in pottery, sculpture, metal design,graphics, textile, bead-making, and printmaking.The studios helped to empower local youths and adults, and still plays a key role in the development of Nigeria’s visual art industry.

In celebration of the Universal Studio of Art (USA) at 40, a group show titled “Icons of Arts: The Masters Exhibition,’ was held at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos from November 9 to 16 featuring works by eleven master artists- five painters and six sculptors- including Bunmi Babatunde, the current President of the Universal Studio of Art, with career spanning several years of studio practice.

Other artists are Taye Quaye, Abiodun Olaku, Adewuyi Kenny, Duke Asidere, Edosa Ogiugo, Alex Nwokolo, Odogwu Eze Fidelis, Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Steve Ekpenisi and Akporede Collins Abinoro.

The first recognised set of full-time visual art professionals emerged in the early 80s in a robust cultural environment that encouraged active full-time studio practice, exhibition of timeless pieces and a palpable commercial drive.

Leading painter and one of the founders and trustees of Universal Studios of Art, Abiodun Olaku said the show was designed to celebrate artists that have been consistent over the years.

“These are seasoned artists who have had two decades, some of them 30 years and some of them approaching 30,” he revealed. “The exhibition is to celebrate the masters. I think the youngest of the team probably would have been spending close to three decades in practice. There are some of us who have been over four decades now at it, since graduation. In fact, the eldest of the team is going to clock 70 this year- Mr. Fai Okwe.

“The contemporary energy is focused almost solely on young and emerging artists, and we think that is an incomplete metamorphosis because the young ones need to know that it’s a journey to mastership, from when you receive the call to be an artist, whether you go through formal training or not.”

In his remarks, Bunmi Babatunde, sculptor and chair, Universal Studios of Art observed that many younger artists are not paying attention to the legacies of the masters.

“When we were in school, we learned and read about Nigerian artists and had always looked forward to meeting them. When we saw them and their works we looked with inspiration and administration. We were enamoured by the influence of those artists because we wanted to be like them.”

Babatunde attributed the disconnect between the older and younger generations of artists to the lack of historical studies in the tertiary institutions where art is taught. He blamed art educators for failing to teach art students about experts in the industry.