Marking a half-century of artistic partnership between the United States and Nigeria, the U.S. Mission honored three distinguished Nigerian artists — Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya — with the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.
These legendary figures, who first visited the U.S. over 50 years ago through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), were recognized for their lifetime contributions to art and culture.
The ceremony, attended by diplomats, arts curators, collectors, business leaders, and U.S. exchange program alumni, was a tribute to their impact on Nigerian and international art.
U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills presented each artist with a commemorative certificate, acknowledging their artistic excellence, mentorship to young artists, and role in strengthening U.S.-Nigeria cultural ties.
Ambassador Mills emphasized the U.S. government’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange, supporting Nigerian artists, and preserving creative heritage, noting that art transcends boundaries to unite communities globally.
“Art has the power to connect people and communities across the world.
“This is why we supported these programs 50 years ago, we support them now, and we will continue supporting them far into the future,” Ambassador Mills said.
One of the awardees, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, founder of the Nike Art Gallery, has educated countless artists in adire and batik techniques.
Her works are showcased globally, including at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art.
Reflecting on her exchange experience, she said, “Participating in the U.S. government exchange program has significantly impacted my life, opening up new opportunities and perspectives that have shaped my career path and personal development.”
Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, known for his bead paintings, expressed gratitude for the honor, recalling the transformative experience of his 1974 U.S. exchange.
“Going to the U.S. on an exchange program 50 years ago in 1974, was truly transformative, giving me an opportunity to share my work widely and mentor the next generation of artists,” he said.
His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he has taught at prestigious U.S. institutions like the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.
At 92, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya remains an influential force in Nigerian visual art, mastering diverse forms like painting, printmaking, installation, and sculpture. Reflecting on the honor, he saw the award as a call to young artists to stay committed to their craft.
“I am very excited and encouraged. I will continue to pay it forward by nurturing future talent in the industry,” he said.
Renowned for his illustration of Chinua Achebe’s ‘No Longer at Ease’, Professor Onobrakpeya has exhibited widely, with his latest work, ‘The Mask and the Sword’, currently on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
His contributions have cemented his place as one of West Africa’s most celebrated artists of the 20th century.
The event, organized by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria with the Rele Arts Foundation, Lauren Tate Baeza, Curator of African Art at the High Museum of Art, and support from Delta Airlines, highlighted the enduring U.S.-Nigeria ties in the visual arts and celebrated the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta.
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