Contemporary Nigerian Sculpture: Where are the Flowers?

Abstract

There is general assumption that flowers are Western not African. Mazrui et al (2004) opines that ‘there is a “floral gap” in African culture’. By this he refers to an insignificant representation of flowers in African Culture. This study investigates the possibilities of including flowers in contemporary sculpture as a way of bridging the floral gap. This study will not be sufficient to fill the floral gap but is aimed at promoting a flower culture in Nigeria.  It brings to fore the issues of extinction, adaptation and its Consequences. It emphasises the dire need for artists in Nigeria to respond to the environment and issues that pertain to her. Five flowers have been selected; hibiscus, lily, zinnia, sunflower and rose; they are explored to create sculptures in relief and round forms to satisfy the canons of representational and abstract art. The approach of this study is studio-experiment. The purpose of this research is to promote a flower culture in Nigeria, making flowers a relevant subject matter in expressing thoughts and ideas in art.