Discover the Impact of Nigerian Contemporary Artists Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Lesson Plan: Nigerian Contemporary Artists

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5 (First Period)
Age: 13–14 years
Topic: Nigerian Contemporary Artists
Sub-topic: Introduction to Nigerian Contemporary Artists
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define Nigerian contemporary art and artists.
2. List at least 5 renowned Nigerian contemporary artists.
3. Describe the impact of Nigerian contemporary artists on local and global art.
4. Identify the key features of Nigerian contemporary art.

Keywords:

• Contemporary
• Art
• Artists
• Nigeria
• Influence
• Expression

Set Induction:

The teacher will show students a short video of famous artworks by Nigerian contemporary artists and ask: “What do you think of these artworks? Do you know any Nigerian artists who have created such works?” This will engage the students and spark curiosity about the topic.

Entry Behaviour:

Students have previously learned about traditional Nigerian art forms and their role in society. They are familiar with well-known traditional art pieces, such as Nok sculptures and Benin bronze works.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Pictures and videos of artworks by Nigerian contemporary artists.
• Projector or laptop for multimedia presentation.
• Chart showing a timeline of contemporary Nigerian artists.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher will connect the lesson to traditional Nigerian art by explaining the evolution of art from ancient times to the present. Students will be reminded of how traditional art focused on cultural symbolism and how contemporary art focuses on modern themes and expressions.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Communication
• Cultural awareness
• Digital literacy

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Cultural and Creative Arts
• Multimedia presentations of contemporary art pieces
• Art journals and magazines

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Art of Nigeria: A History by Ekpo Eyo
• The New Nigerian Artists by Chika Okeke-Agulu

Instructional Materials:

• Digital devices for projecting artworks
• Textbooks with relevant sections on Nigerian contemporary art
• Handouts with artist biographies

Content:

1. Definition of Contemporary Art
   • Contemporary art refers to art produced by living artists that reflect current events, ideas, and themes.
2. Characteristics of Nigerian Contemporary Art
   • Nigerian contemporary art is known for its diversity, creativity, and fusion of traditional and modern elements.
   • Themes include identity, politics, culture, and history.
3. Key Nigerian Contemporary Artists:
   1. Ben Enwonwu – A pioneer who blended African themes with modernist approaches.
   2. Bruce Onobrakpeya – Known for his printmaking and deep etching.
   3. El Anatsui – Famous for creating large-scale sculptures using recycled materials.
   4. Yinka Shonibare – A British-Nigerian artist recognized for exploring post-colonial themes.
   5. Nike Davies-Okundaye – Renowned for her batik and textile art.
4. Impact of Nigerian Contemporary Artists
   • Nigerian artists have gained international recognition, exhibiting their works globally and influencing art movements worldwide.
   • They contribute to the cultural and creative economy in Nigeria.
5. Board Summary:
   • Contemporary art reflects current times and society.
   • Nigerian contemporary artists like Ben Enwonwu and El Anatsui are internationally renowned.
   • Their work blends tradition with modern themes and has a significant impact on both local and global art.

Class Activity Discussion:

15 FAQs with Answers:

1. What is contemporary art?
   Art produced by living artists that reflects current ideas and themes.
2. Who is Ben Enwonwu?
   A famous Nigerian contemporary artist who fused African and modern styles.
3. What medium does Bruce Onobrakpeya specialize in?
   Printmaking and deep etching.
4. What is El Anatsui known for?
   Creating large sculptures from recycled materials.
5. What themes does Yinka Shonibare explore in his work?
   Post-colonial themes and identity.
6. Why is Nike Davies-Okundaye famous?
   For her work in batik and textile art.
7. How does contemporary art differ from traditional art?
   It focuses more on modern themes and expressions, while traditional art is tied to cultural symbols.
8. Can you name one of El Anatsui’s famous works?
   His large installations made from discarded bottle caps.
9. What influence does contemporary Nigerian art have globally?
   It influences global art movements and is exhibited in international galleries.
10. What material does Nike Davies-Okundaye commonly use?
    Textiles and batik.
11. Why is Bruce Onobrakpeya’s work significant?
    For his innovative techniques in printmaking and storytelling through etching.
12. What is a common theme in Nigerian contemporary art?
    Identity and history.
13. How do Nigerian contemporary artists contribute to the economy?
    Through art exhibitions, sales, and promoting Nigerian culture globally.
14. Where can you find works by Nigerian contemporary artists?
    In local galleries and international art exhibitions.
15. How do contemporary artists in Nigeria reflect their culture in art?
    They blend traditional symbols with modern artistic methods.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: Revising the previous topic
   The teacher revises the topic on Traditional Nigerian Art Forms, reminding students of the cultural significance of ancient artworks.
2. Step 2: Introducing the new topic
   The teacher introduces Nigerian contemporary artists, explaining how art in Nigeria has evolved and highlighting the importance of modern-day artists.
3. Step 3: Allowing pupils to contribute
   Students are encouraged to name any contemporary artists they know. The teacher corrects and adds where necessary, deepening the understanding of each artist’s contributions.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Display artworks by Nigerian contemporary artists.
2. Explain the background and contributions of selected artists.
3. Facilitate a discussion on how contemporary art differs from traditional art.
4. Ask students to identify elements of modern life seen in the artworks.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Observe and analyze displayed artworks.
2. Participate in discussions, providing their views on contemporary art.
3. Answer questions about the themes and styles of the artists.

Evaluation Questions (10 Short Answers):

1. What is contemporary art?
2. Name two Nigerian contemporary artists.
3. What is Bruce Onobrakpeya known for?
4. How does El Anatsui create his sculptures?
5. What theme does Yinka Shonibare explore?
6. What is the significance of contemporary Nigerian art?
7. Mention one characteristic of Nigerian contemporary art.
8. How is contemporary art different from traditional art?
9. What material is Nike Davies-Okundaye known for?
10. Name one way contemporary art reflects society.

Conclusion:

The teacher will move around the class, check students’ responses, and provide feedback. Any misunderstandings will be addressed, and students will be encouraged to further explore contemporary Nigerian artists in their free time.

More Useful Links

• Exploring Nigerian Art and Culture: Key Principles, Artists, and More
• Exploring Nigerian Art and Culture: An Insightful Journey
• Songs and Music With Nigerian Identity Cultural and Creative Arts Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• NIGERIA CONTEMPORARY ART AND ARTISTS