" Sometimes a piece of wood itself suggests a form, at other times, I see the form in my mind, and it grows and grows as I work. I am happy when I am hacking out. I never want to stop working. I go on until it is too dark to see, then I continue as soon as it is day break. "

Ben Enwonwu

Distinguished Lecture Series

The Ben Enwonwu Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 2004. It is a forum for notable leaders of thought, national and international figures, policy makers and renowned academicians to share their knowledge, perspectives and ideas on how art can engage society in initiating desirable changes. The series, held yearly at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos has since become a major gathering for the rich diversity of contemporary Nigerian society. It aims to increase the global perception and appreciation of modern and contemporary African art. 

Ben Enwonwu laid the foundations for contemporary Nigerian art; an amalgamation of western techniques and indigenous Nigerian traditions. All through his life, he consistently challenged European critics who sought to cast modern African art within a primitive framework. Enwonwu paved the way for successive generations of African artists to define their practices and gave visibility and respectability to the profession in Nigeria. The lecture series draws on Enwonwu’s life’s-work, his nationalistic focus, his innovations and teachings that recognize art as inseparable from the socio-political and economic development of a people.