Eclecticism Style in Ceramic Art Practices of Ife Art School

Abstract

Purpose: The study discusses Ife ceramic wares in tandem with the historical approach of the decorative patterns. It equally determines the origin of each style and how it moved and spread across the phases. The sequences of creative impulse and stylistic trends of ceramic practices in the art school from inception have not received scholarly attention in terms of the examination of the approaches towards the conceptions. The specific objective is to investigate the inception of eclecticism in the art school and circumstances behind the conceptions in order to reveal the contextual definitions of used designs and factors influence the innovation.
 Methodology: Descriptive and analytical approaches were used to trace decorative trends of each phase and the integration of the various motifs and styles of the previous phases in the new phases that sprung up. Samples of ceramic wares in the art school exhibition brochures, galleries and ceramic studios were collected for analysis and photographs were also taken for evidence.
 Findings: In concept, the praxis reveals traditional ideology at inception and desegregation of different themes, ideas, and styles in the recent phase of the practice. The practices are eclectic inclined as of late with reflection of traditional ideology, contemporary issues and customs of Western societies. Notwithstanding, the ceramic art tradition of the art school is aesthetically inclined both in principle and practice.
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: No doubt, the sculptural creativeness of Ife wares has preserved cultural heritage for public awareness. This is largely evident in the proliferation of her ingenious adaptation of indigenous deco-stylistic techniques with Western influence that portrayed Nigerian traditional culture by themes, forms and styles in concepts and renditions.