Nike art gallery: Inspiring the next generation of Nigerian artists

DW (English)

Nike Art Gallery is the largest African exhibition in Nigeria, housing about 8,000 works. Nike Davies Okundaye, the owner and curator gives DW's Edith Kimani this special access to some of the continent's most prized works.

Transcript

00:00Founded in 2009 by Nigerian textile artist Nikkei Okundaye, this is West Africa's most extensive art gallery.

00:11I've always wanted to come here and today we have the unique opportunity of speaking with Nikkei

00:15and some young people who will tell us what art in Africa means to them.

00:20Housed in a five-story building, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 predominantly Nigerian artworks

00:27from various artists, including Chief Josephine Oboe-McLeod.

00:32The gallery aims to positively transform the long-neglected arts and culture industry in Nigeria

00:37and encourage the growth of African cultural heritage.

00:41This gallery is a well-known cultural spot and tourist destination in West Africa,

00:46especially among young people, many of whom discovered it on social media.

00:51I've seen it on Instagram and everywhere about the art in Nikkei Art Gallery, so I was very keen on coming here.

00:58We as Nigerians, the different ethnic groups, as you already see here, the different tribes,

01:04you have Igbo, you have Hausa, you have Yoruba as well, and all of these people make for our identity.

01:12Nikkei's dream is to bridge the age gap in art appreciation.

01:16She provides training to young artists in visual, musical and performing arts.

01:21These artists then showcase their skills to guests, demonstrating their traditions while earning a living.

01:28And this artist is like a son to me.

01:32You see, what he's showing here, he's showing how families love each other.

01:36These are two sisters from different mothers, and they still love each other.

01:42The space is open to art enthusiasts of all ages,

01:45offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with their roots and foster a sense of community and pride.

01:51Nikkei wants to show how art transcends family, tradition, community and love.

01:57www.nikkei.org

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