Nike Art Gallery — Attraction in Lagos State

The Nike Art Gallery, located in Lagos, Nigeria, is one of the most prominent and celebrated art galleries in West Africa. Founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, a renowned Nigerian artist and textile designer, the gallery serves as both a cultural landmark and a hub for contemporary African art.

Location and Ambiance

The gallery is situated in the Lekki area of Lagos, making it accessible yet pleasantly secluded from the city's hustle and bustle. The building itself is an impressive five-story structure, adorned with vibrant murals and art pieces that hint at the treasure trove within. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a spacious, well-lit environment that is both inviting and inspiring. The gallery's design ensures a fluid flow from one exhibit to the next, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the art.

Collection and Exhibits

Nike Art Gallery boasts an extensive collection of over 7,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and traditional crafts. The artwork on display is diverse, showcasing both established and emerging Nigerian artists. The collection spans various styles and periods, providing a comprehensive overview of Nigerian art's evolution.

Paintings and Sculptures

The gallery's painting collection is particularly notable, featuring works that range from traditional African motifs to contemporary abstracts. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and modern-day narratives of Nigeria. Sculptures, often crafted from wood, metal, and other indigenous materials, are also prominently featured. These works capture the essence of African craftsmanship, highlighting both aesthetic beauty and cultural significance.

Textiles and Crafts

One of the unique aspects of Nike Art Gallery is its dedication to preserving and promoting Nigerian textile arts. The gallery displays a stunning array of handwoven fabrics, batiks, and embroidered pieces, many of which are created by Nike Davies-Okundaye herself. This section of the gallery not only showcases the intricate beauty of Nigerian textiles but also educates visitors on traditional techniques and their cultural importance.

Educational and Cultural Programs

Nike Art Gallery is more than just a visual experience; it is a center for cultural education and artistic development. The gallery regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and training sessions on various aspects of Nigerian art and craft. These programs are aimed at both local and international participants, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nigerian culture.

Community Engagement

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye is deeply committed to community development through art. The gallery supports local artists by providing them with a platform to exhibit their work and gain recognition. Additionally, it offers vocational training programs aimed at empowering women and youth, helping them to acquire skills that can lead to economic independence.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Nike Art Gallery often praise the welcoming and knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to provide insights into the artworks and their creators. The gallery also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase unique, handmade souvenirs, including jewelry, textiles, and small art pieces.

Conclusion

Nike Art Gallery stands as a testament to the vibrant and diverse art scene in Nigeria. Its comprehensive collection, dedication to cultural preservation, and commitment to community development make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you are an art connoisseur or a casual visitor, a trip to Nike Art Gallery promises an enriching and...

The whole scenery and ambience is a paradise to behold. My first visit was on Sept 22 2018 after reading a review online, I decided it was time to smell heaven. From the Mainland, my friends and I journeyed our way to the Island, enjoying the breeze of the third Mainland Bridge, the heat of Obalende and moving traffic of people in CMS.

We packed ourselves in a green and white Danfo, I'm not sure we can still call that a Danfo, since the official colour of the Danfo is yellow. Anyway, the colour of the bus is an indication that a place surrounded by water and very high towers is different from a place with story buildings and bungalows clustered together. As if to tell us, you're on the Island, behave yourself. From CMS, a conglomerate of beautiful mess, we found our way to Lekki—the third roundabout to be precise. These roundabouts look alike, so make sure you remember it's the third, I made this mistake the second time I went. Or simply say you'd alight at Ikate.

The magnificent Nike Art Gallery is just a silent street away, standing in all white—a sign of royalty. We got in and were welcomed warmly by Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye Davies herself, unfortunately for us we didn't know it was her, all we saw was a nice old lady in a gown of perfectly dyed fabric. It was during our tour round the art museum that revealed her much younger face. Yessir, and we were awe-stricken—a whole Nike Okundaye, the renowned art connoisseur with four art galleries in Lagos, Kogi, Oshogbo and Abuja coming to welcome some unknown youths. Mehn, it made the tour more fun.

Immediately we left the gallery, I started a thread on my WhatsApp story with the hashtag #ArtIsDeep, analysing some of the artwork I was privileged to take pictures of. Note: you are not allowed to take photographs, but you can use the art as a backdrop for your photos. The privilege I had was that I was able to interview Chief Nike and she became our personal tour guide, telling us the story behind the art, the intricacies, the sweat and finally the beauty.

In this unofficial review, I will briefly analyse the 13 randomly picked pictures from my two visits. I still have a lot more stashed in my gallery

[I have the whole review written, but I think I exceeded the Google Map Review limit. I'd have to break it into two parts]

Edit: Sadly, I can't add more to this review. I'm in...

I’m surprised so many Nigerians don’t even know this kind of beauty exist! This place is mostly visited and appreciate by international tourists.

And to think it is FREE entry and exit!!!!!

Just few minutes drive away from Lekki Conservation Centre, we decided to visit Nike Art Gallery as a complementary before the adventure at Lekki Conservation Centr. Amazingly, the visit to the gallery was the best experience for the day. It also helped us to enjoy the adventure and experience at the Conservation centre more because we were already open minded and happy after the gallery experience

This place speak beauty. We spent few hours here soaking creativity and appreciating art. We couldn’t get enough! The pictures attached to this review does not explain enough. You need to be there.

You had be amazed at what these art works are made from! Especially the sculptures!

The paintings are out of this world. I practically travelled with the artist. You could like at a painting for 1 hour, mesmerized by it’s beauty while trying to penetrate into the artist’s mind.

I’m no arts lover but my encounter in this gallery changed my perspective about arts! I saw the beauty and culture of Lagos as a state and Nigeria as a whole!

I met with the founder (Nike herself) and she also introduced one of the artists to us. We were genuinely happy! You can’t be in such environment and remain bitter or sad. No way!

We met Papa too (grandpa that sat downstairs) He said he is the founder’s husband, though I couldn’t confirm that from mama but I see no reason to think otherwise. Papa was very nice and he made us laugh with his jokes and kind words. On our way out, papa advised we come with some kolanuts next time so I can break and pray for us with them. I would definitely do that on next visit!!!

In all, it was an amazing experience. I would definitely do it again. I don’t mind joining you on your next visit. I love to meet new people and explore together. Just send me a mail.

I hope this review have been helpful? Kindly share your experience too.

Do have a wonderful...