Contemporary Nigerian Art is the type of art done by Nigerian artists in modern times. It shows modern life, people’s experiences, culture, and society. It also includes new styles and new ways of doing art that are different from the old or traditional art.

It can be seen in: Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture, Textile, Posters and computer designs etc . Contemporary art is the type of art we see today, in homes, offices, newspapers, galleries, and on television.

• It is done by trained artists.


• It is often signed by the artist.


• It is creative and modern.


• It uses modern materials like poster colour, oil paint, watercolour, fabric, beads, etc.


• It can show personal feelings, social problems, or culture.


• It is found in schools, galleries, museums, and exhibitions.

1. It is use For education.


2. It is use For decoration.


3. It is use For communication.


4. It is use For entertainment.


5. It is use For cultural promotion.


6. It is use For income generation (artists make money from selling their works).

contemporary Nigerian art, which is a modern and diverse artistic expression reflecting current Nigerian life, culture, and society. It encompasses various forms like painting, sculpture, and digital design, and is a departure from older, traditional art forms.

1. Painting – Using colours on paper, canvas, or cloth to make pictures.


2. Sculpture – Making objects by carving wood, moulding clay, or shaping metal.


3. Textile Design – Making patterns on cloth by tie and dye, batik, or printing.


4. Graphics – Designing posters, book covers, adverts, and signs.


5. Ceramics – Making modern pots, plates, and decorative items with clay.


6. Mixed Media – Joining different materials like cloth, paper, and beads in one artwork.


7. Installation and Performance Art – Art that is arranged or performed in public for people to watch and learn from.

Artist Name	Art Area	Contribution
Aina Onabolu	Painting	First Nigerian to introduce modern art in schools
Ben Enwonwu	Painting, Sculpture	Famous for Queen Elizabeth II painting and Anyawu sculpture
Bruce Onobrakpeya	Printmaking	Known for new printing styles and mixed media art
Yusuf Grillo	Painting	Used blue colours and Yoruba culture in his works
Kolade Oshinowo	Painting	Paints scenes of Nigerian daily life
Uche Okeke	Drawing, Painting	Used Igbo signs and symbols in his works
Akinola Lasekan	Cartoon, Illustration	Drew in early newspapers and illustrated books
Demas Nwoko	Architecture	Designs buildings in African traditional style
Clara Etso Ugbodaga-Ngu	Painting	One of the first female painters in Nigeria
Ladi Kwali	Pottery	Famous for her beautiful pots, appeared on ₦20 note
Lamidi Fakeye	Sculpture	Known for carved wooden artworks and teaching others
Mrs Etsu Ngbogahga	Textile	Worked in promoting local fabrics and craft
Nike Davies-Okundaye	Textile	Expert in Adire and runs one of the biggest art galleries
El Anatsui	Sculpture	Makes large artworks from bottle tops and waste materials

• They promote Nigerian culture.


• They create jobs and inspire young people.


• They make Nigeria known in other countries.


• Their works are used in schools, museums, and festivals.


• They teach new art styles to students.

Contemporary Nigerian Art helps artists and other people to make money. This is called income generation.

1. Artists can earn income by Selling their paintings, sculptures, or crafts in galleries and exhibitions.


2. Artists can earn income by Teaching art in schools or private lessons.


3. Artists can earn income by Designing posters, adverts, and book covers for companies.


4. Artists can earn income by Making decorations for events and festivals.


5. Artists can earn income by Printing T-shirts, bags, and fabric with their designs.


6. Artists can earn income by Selling artworks online or in local markets.


7. Artists can earn income by Working as digital artists or illustrators for companies.

This shows that contemporary art is not only useful for beauty and culture but can also help people to start businesses, get jobs, and support their families.

1. Nike Art Gallery (Lagos).


2. National Gallery of Art (Abuja).


3. Terra Kulture (Lagos).


4. ArtX Lagos (Art fair).


5. Private art studios.


6. Schools and universities.


7. Online platforms and exhibitions.

1. Paints (acrylic, oil, watercolour).


2. Cement, wood, plastic.


3. Fabric, wool, leather.


4. Wires, beads, glass.


5. Recycled waste materials.


6. Computers and digital tools (for graphic design).

1. Providing art teachers and materials.


2. Visiting art galleries and exhibitions.


3. Including art in school competitions.


4. Inviting local artists to speak.


5. Letting students practise different types of art.

Traditional Art	Contemporary Art
Made long ago	Made in modern times
For culture and religion	For decoration, education, and business
Made with natural tools	Made with modern tools
Not signed	Usually signed by artist