Celebrating Four Decades of Creative Energy
Yinka Olatunbosun
It was not a walk in the park for artists who honed their craft at the Universal Studios of Art decades ago. To mark its 40th anniversary, the artists who emerged from the rigorous training at this leading Lagos-based visual art hub reunited in November for a spectacular exhibition of their creativity.
The studios, located on the grounds of the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, have evolved into a premier destination for learning various art skills and began in 1980 as the National Gallery of Art Studios. In 1996, the name was changed to the Universal Studios of Art. Today, the studios parade an impressive array of artistic disciplines, including pottery, sculpture, metal design, graphics, textiles, bead-making, and printmaking and have helped empower local youths and adults and continue to play a vital role in the development of Nigeria’s visual art industry.
To celebrate the Universal Studio of Art’s (USA) 40th anniversary, a group exhibition titled Icons of Arts: The Masters Exhibition took place at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos, from November 9 to 16. The exhibition featured works by 11 master artists, comprising five painters and six sculptors, including Bunmi Babatunde, the current president of the Universal Studio of Art, who boasts a career spanning several years of studio practice. Other participating artists included Tayo 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 generation of full-time visual art professionals emerged in the early 1980s, thriving in a vibrant cultural environment. This environment fostered active studio practice, the creation of timeless art pieces, and a strong commercial drive. According to Abiodun Olaku, a renowned painter and one of the founders and trustees of Universal Studios of Art, the exhibition aimed to honour artists who have demonstrated consistency throughout their careers.
“These are seasoned artists with a wealth of experience, spanning two decades, 30 years, or nearly 30 years,” he disclosed. “The exhibition is a tribute to these master artists. The youngest member of the team has likely spent nearly three decades honing their craft. Some of us have been actively practicing our craft for over four decades, since graduating. Notably, the team’s eldest member, Mr. Fai Okwe, will be celebrating his 70th birthday this year.
“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 of the 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 learnt and read about Nigerian artists and always looked forward to meeting them. When we saw them and their works, we were inspired and in awe. We were inspired 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 art schools. He blamed art educators for failing to teach art students about the masters.
