Contextual Change in Nigerian Sculpture

Abstract

In the past fifty years Nigeria has witnessed an almost unparalleled upsurge in three-dimensional art production significantly, sculpture in the round. The emergence of the latter can be traced to pioneer African sculptures whose pieces have been adjudged contribution to world artistic heritage. This paper, therefore, examines the continuity and change in sculpture practice as a result of contact with Western cultures and the artistic influence in form, style, theme and material of contemporary sculpture in Nigeria. Significantly, this paper hopefully serves as reference point for future scholarship on sculpture in Africa, while at the same time assist in formulating critical theories on sculpture practice in contemporary Africa, and Nigeria in particular.