The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will culminate its landmark exhibition, The Mask and the Cross, with a grand closing ceremony dedicated to the trailblazing Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya from January 10 to 12, 2025.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most significant modern artists, Onobrakpeya has left an indelible mark on the global art scene, shaping perceptions of contemporary African art through his innovative techniques and profound storytelling.
A titan in the art world, Prof. Onobrakpeya has been the recipient of numerous international honors, including the Smithsonian Lifetime Achievement Award and UNESCO’s Living Human Treasure Award. His work—characterized by a masterful blend of African spirituality, cultural symbolism, and avant-garde printmaking—continues to inspire generations of artists and art enthusiasts around the world.
The closing celebration, aptly titled A Weekend with Bruce Onobrakpeya, promises a vibrant program that will immerse attendees in the artist’s creative world. Highlights include panel discussions featuring leading art historians and curators, guided exhibition tours conducted in both English and Pidgin, a formal reception, and a candid conversation with the artist himself. Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to participate in a Q&A session, offering deeper insight into Onobrakpeya’s artistic philosophy and groundbreaking techniques.
Originally showcased at the High Museum of Art, The Mask and the Cross has drawn critical acclaim for its comprehensive portrayal of Onobrakpeya’s artistic evolution. The Smithsonian’s iteration, which runs until January 21, 2025, expands upon this legacy with a special section spotlighting early post-independence Nigerian printmakers.
This additional feature underscores the pivotal role of printmaking in Nigeria’s cultural renaissance during the 1960s, driven by influential art collectives such as the Mbari Club in Ibadan and the Osogbo Art Movement. These groups were instrumental in refining techniques like linocut, etching, and engraving—methods Onobrakpeya adopted and reimagined to craft his iconic works.
By marrying European printmaking methodologies with indigenous Nigerian motifs and storytelling traditions, artists of this era forged a distinctive visual lexicon that resonated with local identities while engaging with modernity. Prof. Onobrakpeya’s work epitomizes this dynamic blend, making him a cornerstone of Nigeria’s art history and a visionary of African modernism.
