Lindalicious Fashion Magazine

Abuja National Mosque Skyline at Sunrise
Photo: Terver/Adobe Stock

1) Nike Art Gallery 

The Nike Art Gallery was the next place we visited, on the first street after the famous shopping mall Shoprite at Lugbe in Abuja. It's an effortless place to find. You can stop in front of Shoprite and walk to the art gallery, but you can also order a ride to take you there or use Google Maps if you are driving.

The Nike Art Gallery is very popular in the country, with branches in Lagos and Abuja. It was founded by Mrs. Nike Monica Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, who established the gallery in 1983 by removing 20 young ladies who lived in the streets, training them in arts and crafts, and also providing them with the materials, food, and accommodation while also allowing them to make a living from the arts they made. This has led to more students from different parts of Africa coming to the art gallery to learn art making.

No records of famous artists emerged from the Nike art gallery. However, it houses over 8,000 artworks nationwide, each with its unique story and style, from the vibrant paintings of Tyna Adebowale and Ranti Bamgbala to the thought-provoking photographs of TY Bello, a well-known Nigerian photographer and musician with documentary-style photography that portrays capturing of everyday life and social issues. She was the one who discovered the model Jumoke Orisaguna, popularly known as the Bread Seller, who photobombed the photographer when she was taking pictures of the UK pop star Tinie Tempah. Carey Godwin is one of the Nigerian photographers who always makes his photography about thought-provoking subjects that affect society and or something that has to do with the personal experience of others; the gallery is a treasure trove of diverse artistic expressions. The works of Taiye Idahor, Wura-Natasha‎ Ogunji, Zemaye Okediji, Obiageli Okigbo, and Nnenna Okore also grace its walls, showcasing the depth and breadth of contemporary African art.

The drive to the Nike Art Gallery took about 15 to 20 minutes. Once at the place, I could see a lot of sculptures and metal works in front of a yellow building with cravings on it. I thought it was beautiful. The reception room was filled with paintings, beans, and crafts for sale. Entering the art gallery is free, but you have to pay N1000 per person for a guided tour (which is very short). We paid for a guided tour, and the Nike experience began.

(A picture of the building)

(A picture of the building)

Main Gallery Room 

Stepping into the main gallery room of the Nike Art Gallery, I was immediately captivated by the diverse range of art on display. The gallery offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression, from paintings and metal works to crafts and tie-dye clothes. What truly stood out were a board of rubber slipper straps and a metal sculpture of a half-body man playing a guitar. These unique pieces sparked a personal connection, reminding me of the power of art to evoke emotions and tell stories.

Art consultation room 

 

Inside the gallery, there is a consultation room offering art consultation services. These services are designed to help you source artwork options for your reviews specifically tailored for your project or space. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the knowledgeable staff at the Nike Art Gallery can guide you in finding meaningful artwork that resonates with you. This precious service allowed me to better understand the artworks and their creators, making me feel genuinely valued as a visitor.

 

(An overview of the main gallery)

(A picture of an artwork in the gallery)

Out of the building (premises)

 

The premises of the gallery are a beautiful sight to behold. It had a mini sculpture garden with little metal works of different forms, a well where the dry process takes place, a lecture place where one can register for arts and crafts training, and a Nike art garden filled with large metal artworks. I loved the sight outside the building. It was intriguing to witness so many artworks and fascinating to learn that everything in the Nike Art Gallery is for sale, so you should go with some money just in case you see anything you want to buy. I advise that you do not go to this place alone in order not to feel lonely and take your water and snacks with you because there is no place to buy refreshments. I would return here, especially if I ever need to purchase artwork.

(a metalwork outside the gallery)

(a picture of the training center )

2) Thought Pyramid Art Centre

Our journey to the Thought Pyramid Art Centre in Abuja was a breeze. Located at No. 18 Libreville Crescent, Wuse II Abuja, this art center is easy to find, and you can even use Google Maps for guidance. After visiting the Nike Art Gallery, my sister and I decided to explore more art galleries in Abuja, and this was our next stop.

The Thought Pyramid Art Centre, a modern and contemporary art space, is a testament to the vision of its founder, Jeff Adjeushi. Established in 2008, this independent, non-profit art centre is a beacon of creativity and innovation. In Jeff's own words, his aim was to 'create an artistic space with no boundaries between craft and design, where new ideas could thrive and flourish.' This vision is palpable in every gallery corner, inspiring visitors to explore and appreciate the world of art.

As we arrived at the gallery's premises, I immediately noticed the two-story building that housed it. The entrance gate was adorned with two bull heads on each pillar, while the gate featured the beautifully designed faces of a man and a woman.

(main gate)

Walking into the premises, I noticed various sculptures outside the building and on the wall of the building. Among them was a horse made of different metal parts and a sculpture of two men reading a book (they looked like they were from Athens). Delicately placed alongside were small totems and other intriguing artworks. However, what truly fascinated me was the pathway leading to the gallery entrance, adorned with two sculptures. On the left, a reflective man sat, lost in deep contemplation, while on the right, a figure stood with hands raised, grasping something. I found it exciting and well-thought-out how those sculptures were positioned that way.

(a picture of a metal horse )

( A picture of the outside premises )

As we entered the gallery, two gentlemen greeted us from their seats beside a table near the entrance. They informed us that there is an entrance fee of N1,000 (one thousand Naira) per person to access the gallery. Additionally, we were advised that photography was prohibited, a rule I was determined to disregard.

Once I paid the fee, I eagerly embarked on my journey through the two floors of the building. I wanted to see what magic the place holds.

Ground floor

The gallery's ground floor had many sculptures, colorful paintings, and traditional masquerade costumes. The sculptures were mostly metal, and the paintings told stories about Nigeria's culture and people. Some photographs showed what happened during and after the Nigerian Civil War.

There were many beautiful artworks to admire, but two stood out. One was a metal cow head with two massive horns; the other was a sculpture of Socrates, a famous Greek philosopher. I was happy to see a sculpture of Socrates because I'm also a philosopher and have learned about him in school. I try to live by his famous quote, "Man, know thyself, for an unexamined life is not worth living."

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the names of the artists who created the artwork on the first floor.

( A picture of a Bullhead )

( A picture of Socrates )

Top floor

( Stairs way leading to the top floor)

I saw small sculptures on the wall on the stairs leading up to the top floor. These sculptures showed different tribes in Nigeria. The top floor had many paintings by various artists. 

There were also chairs and tables made of wood and metal. My favorite chair was made of tied branches and had a rustic look. The top floor is used for showing movies, hosting music events, putting on plays, displaying art, having discussions, teaching classes, and giving lectures.

Some famous Nigerian artists whose artwork can be found at the Thought Pyramid include Ben Osave, Sam Ovraiti, Jim Braimoh, Twin Seven Seven, Bruce Onobrakpeya, and others.

(Tied branches chair)

( A picture of some artwork on the top floor)

( A picture of some artwork on the top floor)

( A picture of some paintings on the top floor)

Thought Pyramid Art Centre has enough packing space and a restaurant called Spice Platter, which serves local and international cuisine. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and I would return here.

3) Orisun Art Gallery 

We went to the Orisun Art Gallery on the first floor of the famous Tropic Galleria in the Central District of Abuja, Nigeria. It's right next to the Grand Square Mall, and you can easily find it by public transportation or using Google Maps if you're driving.

The gallery was founded by Senator Olubunmi Adetumi, representing the Northern District/Consistency of Eikit State, Nigeria. Senator Adetumi loves art and has collected artworks and artifacts for 30 years. His collection became so large that he decided to open the Orisun Art Gallery to showcase some of it. He owns over 600 to 700 art pieces, but only 250 are displayed in the gallery.

When we arrived at the gallery, I noticed a small art and craft shop outside where they sold handmade wooden items. They had handmade bags, small statues, kettles, and artwork. I liked the statues in the glass case, especially the one with two little men wearing white shirts and red shorts. The Orisun Art Gallery was the cleanest gallery I have ever visited.

( Shelve with crafted souvenirs)

( Shop for arts and crafts)

A big bullhead was on the floor before the receptionist's table when I entered the gallery. Exploring the gallery didn't cost anything, but taking photos or videos was prohibited unless you paid three thousand Naira, which I did.

The gallery had the most extensive collection in Abuja. Most of the artworks showcased African culture, with works from artists mainly from Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, and Nigeria.

( A picture of the entrance)

Artworks displayed 

Animal Skin

I was surprised that animal skin was part of the delay in getting to this gallery. I felt scared and nervous when I saw a giant crocodile on the gallery floor. For a moment, I thought it was real. My favorite display was a real lion fur on a big frame hanging in the gallery.

( A picture of Crocodile )

( A picture of the lion fur in a frame )

Paintings, wooden sculptures & cravings, and stone works 

I liked their different artwork types, such as oil paintings, contemporary paintings, wooden sculptures, wooden carvings, and stone works. Each artwork told a story through art. One of my favorite pieces was a wooden carving of one of the obas of Benin (unfortunately, I don't know which one) hanging on a wall. Another favorite of mine was a piece called "Heavy Rain Series" by Iyke Okenyi. He described it as the expression of a heavy rain, where each person has a uniqueness. I loved how he created small faces with different expressions, all connected in a horizontal line. It felt like a representation of our experiences, emotions, ideas, and destiny.

(A picture of the Oba of Benin wood carving hung on the wall)

 ( A picture of Iyke's "Heavy Rain series)

(Picture of some painting)

(Picture of some paintings)

Scrap Metal 

A collection of scrap metal was displayed in one area. It wasn't awe-inspiring, but it was interesting to see. The museum had placed items like a metal ostrich, a hunter holding a gun, a woman's body with round African red beans around her waist, and a lion's head. However, the most impressive piece was a horse made from different colored metals.

( A picture of scrap metal art )

Ancient Art Pieces

The gallery showcased ancient objects, but I needed to determine if they were genuine or replicas. It made me think about our ancestors and how they expressed themselves through art. The collection included artifacts from the ancient Yoruba kingdom Ile Ife and the Benin kingdom. My favorite piece was an artefact known as the ancient sword seller.

( Ancient artworks from ile life)

(Oba of Benin)

The gallery featured works by various artists, such as Bruce Onobrakpeya, Jimoh Buraimoh, Osward Uruakpa, Tol Weww, Twin Seven Seven, David Dale, Susanne Wenger, Rufus Ogundele, and Bisi Fabunmi, among others. I had a great time at the Orisun Art Gallery, and it was worth my visit.