Nike Art Gallery | Lagos

The Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, is one of West Africa's largest and most prominent art galleries, showcasing the rich heritage of Nigerian and African art. Founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, a renowned Nigerian artist, the gallery is a cultural hub for both local and international audiences, promoting the beauty and diversity of Nigerian art.

Here is detailed information about the Nike Art Gallery:

1. Overview and History

Founder: The gallery was established by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, a celebrated Nigerian artist and designer recognized for her contributions to the arts, particularly in traditional textile design.

Purpose: The Nike Art Gallery was created to showcase the richness of African art and culture, provide a platform for Nigerian artists, and offer educational programs related to the preservation and appreciation of Nigeria's artistic heritage.

Name Significance: The gallery is named after the founder, Nike, who has dedicated her life to promoting Nigerian and African art through exhibitions, workshops, and various cultural initiatives.

2. Art Collection

The gallery is home to an extensive collection of over 8,000 artworks, including various art forms such as:

a. Paintings

The gallery showcases vibrant and colorful paintings, primarily reflecting Nigerian life, culture, folklore, and the beauty of the country's people. Many of the paintings are done in traditional Nigerian styles and incorporate cultural symbols and figures.

b. Sculptures

The gallery also has a vast collection of sculptures, from wood carvings to bronze and stone sculptures. These artworks often depict African deities, leaders, and historical figures.

Sculptures are often created in accordance with traditional methods, showcasing the skills of Nigerian artisans.

c. Textiles

The traditional fabrics of Nigeria are well represented in the gallery, especially Adire, a form of indigo-dyed textile unique to the Yoruba people. The gallery promotes textile traditions such as batik, tie-dye, and woven fabrics.

Beadwork is also prominent in the collection, representing various ethnic groups and their customs.

d. Beadwork

The beadwork at the Nike Art Gallery is intricately designed, representing royalty, spirituality, and ceremonial purposes. Beads are an essential part of African culture, often used in adornment, jewelry, and even in rituals.

e. Ceramics and Pottery

The gallery also features ceramics and pottery, which are often used for domestic and ceremonial purposes. These artworks are inspired by traditional African forms and shapes, providing insight into the daily life of Nigerian communities.

3. Gallery Layout

The Nike Art Gallery spans a five-story building, with each floor dedicated to specific types of artwork or exhibitions.

a. Ground Floor

The ground floor of the gallery often hosts larger sculptures and paintings, and is designed to be the introduction to the extensive collection within the gallery. Visitors are greeted by monumental pieces that set the tone for the exhibition.

b. Upper Floors

The upper floors feature a wide variety of collections, including textiles, beadwork, and smaller paintings. One of the floors is dedicated to contemporary Nigerian artists, providing them with an opportunity to exhibit their work alongside traditional artists.

Exhibition Space: The gallery regularly rotates its exhibitions, providing a fresh perspective on both traditional and modern Nigerian art.

c. Workshops and Studios

Workshops: The gallery offers hands-on workshops where visitors can learn how to create traditional Nigerian art, such as batik making, beadwork, and fabric design. This provides an immersive cultural experience for tourists and art enthusiasts.

The workshops are led by local artisans and artists who teach their craft to visitors of all ages, often incorporating traditional methods and materials.

4. Educational and Cultural Impact

The Nike Art Gallery is not just a space for viewing art; it is also an educational institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian art and culture.

a. Cultural Significance

The gallery plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Nigerian heritage, including folk art, tribal art, and other forms of ethnographic art.

It also serves as a platform for cross-cultural exchanges between Nigerian artists and visitors from around the world.

b. Educational Programs

The gallery regularly conducts educational programs for school children, students, and tourists, focusing on African art history, the importance of cultural preservation, and sustainable art practices.

Guided Tours: Visitors can request a guided tour of the gallery to learn more about the history, meaning, and techniques behind the displayed artworks. The tours are available in various languages, making the gallery accessible to a wider audience.

c. Cultural Outreach

The gallery hosts a variety of cultural events, including dance performances, music shows, and fashion exhibitions, all of which highlight Nigeria's rich artistic heritage.

Visitors can also find a variety of cultural items such as traditional clothing, jewelry, and artifacts in the gallery’s gift shop.

5. Visiting Information

a. Location

The Nike Art Gallery is located at:

2 Elegushi Road, off Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.

Accessibility: The gallery is situated in the heart of Lekki, a growing commercial area in Lagos, and is easily accessible by taxi, private vehicle, and public transportation.

b. Operating Hours

The gallery is open daily, including weekends and public holidays, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

c. Admission

The gallery offers free entry for all visitors, providing an inclusive and accessible cultural experience for both locals and international visitors.

d. Amenities

Gift Shop: The gallery has a gift shop where visitors can purchase various art pieces, crafts, fabrics, jewelry, and souvenirs that represent Nigeria's artistic diversity.

Café: The gallery also features a café, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshments and meals in a relaxing atmosphere while reflecting on the art they have viewed.

Parking: Ample parking space is available for visitors.

6. Nearby Attractions

Lekki Conservation Centre: Just a short distance from the gallery, the Lekki Conservation Centre is a nature reserve featuring wildlife, a canopy walkway, and educational programs on conservation.

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market: For visitors interested in purchasing more local crafts, the nearby arts and crafts market offers a wide range of Nigerian handicrafts, art, and textiles.

7. Conclusion

The Nike Art Gallery is a treasure trove of Nigerian art and culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the country's artistic traditions. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a tourist, or someone seeking to learn about Nigerian heritage, the gallery provides a space to appreciate, learn, and engage with African art on a deeper level. With its vast collection, educational programs, and workshops, the gallery serves as a living testament to Nigeria’s rich cultural history.