Three Nigerians awarded as US marks 50 years of artistic partnership

02 Nov 2024, 12:57 by Pelumi Bolawa · TheCable Lifestyle

Three Nigerians got a lifetime achievement award at a US-backed event celebrating the artistic collaboration.

They are Nike Davies-Okundoye, Jimoh Buraimoh, and Bruce Onobrakpeya.

The US marked its 50 years of artistic collaboration with Nigeria.

The event was held on Friday at the US Consulate General’s home in Lagos.

The ceremony also marked the collaboration between Atlanta US and Lagos Nigeria.

The three awardees are beneficiaries of the US-Nigeria exchange programmes which began in the 1970s.

The exchange programmes, introduced to inspire artistic innovation, have impacted the areas of music, filmmaking, and art creation.

Richard Mills, the US ambassador to Nigeria, expressed his delight at the deepening cultural ties between Nigeria and the US.

At the event, he congratulated recipients of the awards while announcing his country’s plans to promote the US-Nigeria cultural ties.

Davies-Okundoye, fondly called Mama Nike, is one of Nigeria’s most well-known batik and adire artists.

She has had her art exhibitions across the world. She founded the Nike Art galleries in Osogbo, Ogidi, Abuja, and Lagos.

Buraimoh, born in 1943, is a renowned contemporary painter.

His passion for art creation was ignited after participating in the 1960 workshop organised by Ulli and Georgina Beier.

He is famous for his artworks in prints, paint, inlay tiles, beads, mosaic plaques and tables, and murals.

Buraimoh’s 1997 work titled ‘The Elders’ won the ‘Best Mosaic Mural of the Year’ at the Atlanta Urban Design Commission.

Onobrakpeya, aged 92, is a Nigerian printmaker, sculptor, and painter.

He started his journey into art after he was admitted into the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1957.

For decades, Onobrakpeya has exhibited some of his famous artworks in countries like Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the US.

In 2023, he was awarded honorary citizenship in Atlanta, Georgia.

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