Three renowned Nigerian artists—Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye—have been honored with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award as part of celebrations honoring 50 years of artistic collaborations between Nigeria and the United States of America (USA). In honor of the three, who participated in the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) more than 50 years ago, US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills presented the award to the awardees.
Each of the legends received a commemorative certificate yesterday, according to a statement from the US Mission, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to their craft, their unwavering mentoring of up-and-coming artists, and their priceless contributions that have deepened the ties between the people of the two nations. The U.S. government is dedicated to funding programs and initiatives that foster cultural exchange, encourage artistic expression, protect cultural heritage, and build the skills of Nigerian artists and professionals in the creative industries, Ambassador Mills said in his remarks.
He emphasized how alumni of U.S. government exchange programs contribute to their communities in a variety of ways, including the creative economy.
For this reason, we have funded these programs for fifty years, and we will continue to do so for many years to come," Mills stated. Chief Davies-Okundaye, who has taught students all over the world the ancient arts of batik and adire, stated that taking part in the exchange program had a big influence on her life and gave her access to fresh viewpoints and experiences that influenced both her professional and personal development.
Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, a renowned bead painter and awardee, expressed his happiness at the recognition. "It was life-changing for me to travel to the United States on an exchange program fifty years ago in 1974. It allowed me to mentor the upcoming generation of artists and share my work with a wider audience." In addition to teaching at esteemed establishments like the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, Chief Buraimoh's artwork has been shown all over the world.
Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who is 92 years old, is still a prominent presence in Nigeria's visual arts landscape, producing sculpture, printmaking, painting, and installation. He pointed out that emerging artists find it difficult to stay committed to their craft as a result of the prize recognition. "I feel so inspired and thrilled. By fostering upcoming talent in the field, I will keep giving back," he continued. Professor Onobrakpeya is well-known for being the illustrator of Chinua Achebe's No Longer at Ease. He has had exhibitions all over the world, including this one.
"The Mask and the Sword" at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and is still regarded as one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century from West Africa. Political and corporate executives, diplomats, academics, art curators and collectors, and alumni of various U.S. government exchange programs were among the notable attendees of the ceremony.
It emphasized the 50-year Sister Cities relationship between Lagos and Atlanta, as well as the historical people-to-people linkages in the visual arts between the two nations.
