Definition of Contemporary Art and Contributions of Pioneer Artists Cultural and Creative Arts JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: Cultural and Creative Arts

Class: JSS 3

Term: First Term

Week: 3

Age: 14-15 years

Topic: Contemporary Nigerian Art/Artist

Sub-topic: Definition of Contemporary Art and Contributions of Pioneer Artists

Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define contemporary art and its characteristics.
2. Identify and describe the contributions of key pioneer Nigerian artists.
3. Discuss the impact of these artists on the development of contemporary art in Nigeria.

Key Words

• Contemporary Art
• Pioneer Artists
• Aina Onabolu
• Akinola Lasekan
• Ladi Kwali
• Bruce Onobrakpeya

Set Induction

Start with a question: “What do you think makes an artwork contemporary?” Allow students to share their ideas to introduce the topic.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic understanding of different art forms and their historical contexts.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Images of contemporary Nigerian artworks
• Biographies of the artists
• Reference books: Lagos State Scheme of Work, Cultural and Creative Arts textbooks

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss previous lessons on traditional art and how art evolves over time.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Research skills
• Communication skills

Learning Materials

• Images of artworks by pioneer artists
• Printed handouts with artist biographies

Instructional Materials

• Projector
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts on contemporary art

Content

1. Definition of Contemporary Art:
   Contemporary art refers to art produced in the late 20th century and in the 21st century. It reflects current issues and ideas, often incorporating new techniques and mediums.
2. Pioneer Artists and Their Contributions:
   • Aina Onabolu:
     • Life: Born in 1882, Aina Onabolu was a Nigerian painter and educator.
     • Contribution: He was one of the first to adopt Western painting techniques and is known for his portraits and landscapes. His work paved the way for modern art in Nigeria.
   • Akinola Lasekan:
     • Life: Akinola Lasekan (1920-1972) was a prominent Nigerian painter and a founding member of the Society of Nigerian Artists.
     • Contribution: Lasekan’s work focused on themes of Nigerian culture and history, blending traditional and modern styles.
   • Ladi Kwali:
     • Life: Born in 1925, Ladi Kwali was a renowned potter from Abuja.
     • Contribution: She gained international recognition for her unique pottery style that combined traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
   • Bruce Onobrakpeya:
     • Life: Born in 1932, Bruce Onobrakpeya is a Nigerian printmaker and painter.
     • Contribution: He is known for his innovative use of materials and techniques in printmaking, and he has significantly influenced the contemporary art scene in Nigeria.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Contemporary art refers to art produced in the _______ century. (a) 19th (b) 20th (c) 18th (d) 21st
2. Aina Onabolu was born in _______. (a) 1900 (b) 1882 (c) 1920 (d) 1932
3. Akinola Lasekan was a founding member of the _______ of Nigerian Artists. (a) Society (b) Guild (c) Union (d) Club
4. Ladi Kwali is known for her work in _______. (a) painting (b) sculpture (c) pottery (d) photography
5. Bruce Onobrakpeya is famous for his work in _______. (a) textiles (b) printmaking (c) ceramics (d) painting
6. Aina Onabolu adopted _______ painting techniques in his work. (a) local (b) Western (c) African (d) Asian
7. Lasekan’s work blends _______ and modern styles. (a) ancient (b) traditional (c) digital (d) abstract
8. Ladi Kwali’s pottery style combines traditional techniques with _______ aesthetics. (a) modern (b) rustic (c) foreign (d) historical
9. Bruce Onobrakpeya was born in _______. (a) 1925 (b) 1932 (c) 1940 (d) 1950
10. The Society of Nigerian Artists was founded to promote _______ art. (a) contemporary (b) foreign (c) colonial (d) traditional
11. Aina Onabolu’s portraits often reflect Nigerian _______. (a) politics (b) fashion (c) culture (d) sports
12. Kwali’s pottery has been exhibited _______. (a) locally (b) internationally (c) regionally (d) privately
13. Lasekan’s art often focuses on Nigerian _______. (a) nature (b) wildlife (c) history (d) architecture
14. Contemporary art reflects _______ issues and ideas. (a) past (b) future (c) current (d) irrelevant
15. Onobrakpeya’s innovative techniques have significantly influenced contemporary _______. (a) music (b) literature (c) art (d) science

Lesson Breakdown:

1. Definition of Contemporary Art
   • Contemporary art refers to artwork created in recent times, reflecting current ideas, issues, and trends. In Nigeria, contemporary art often explores themes of identity, politics, culture, and modern societal changes.
2. Pioneer Nigerian Contemporary Artists and Their Contributions
   • Aina Onabolu (1882–1963): Known as the father of modern Nigerian art, Aina Onabolu was the first Nigerian to promote Western-style painting in Nigeria. He advocated for art education and created realistic portraits that challenged colonial stereotypes.
   • Akinola Lasekan (1916–1972): One of Nigeria’s first professional cartoonists, Lasekan used art as a tool for political expression. His works, especially during the independence movement, reflected social and political issues of his time.
   • Madam Ladi Kwali (1925–1984): A renowned potter from Northern Nigeria, Ladi Kwali popularized traditional Nigerian pottery, blending indigenous techniques with modern aesthetics. Her work is internationally celebrated, and the Nigerian ten-naira note honors her legacy.
   • Bruce Onobrakpeya (b. 1932): An internationally recognized artist known for his innovative techniques in printmaking, Bruce Onobrakpeya’s works blend Nigerian folklore and symbols with contemporary art forms. He is a key figure in the development of Nigerian modern art and co-founder of the Harmattan Workshop.

Class Activities:

1. Class Discussion:
   • Discuss the meaning of contemporary art and the role of Nigerian artists in developing this art form.
2. Artist Spotlight:
   • Present short biographies and images of notable works by Aina Onabolu, Akinola Lasekan, Madam Ladi Kwali, and Bruce Onobrakpeya.
3. Group Activity:
   • Divide students into groups to research one of the artists and present their findings, focusing on the artist’s influence and style.

Evaluation:

• Define contemporary art.
• Name two contributions of Aina Onabolu and Bruce Onobrakpeya to Nigerian contemporary art.
• Mention one contribution of Madam Ladi Kwali to Nigerian pottery.

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is contemporary art?
   Contemporary art refers to art produced in the late 20th and 21st centuries that reflects current themes and techniques.
2. Who is Aina Onabolu?
   Aina Onabolu was a pioneer Nigerian painter known for adopting Western painting techniques and creating portraits.
3. What contributions did Akinola Lasekan make to Nigerian art?
   Lasekan focused on Nigerian culture and history, blending traditional and modern styles in his paintings.
4. Why is Ladi Kwali significant in Nigerian art?
   Ladi Kwali is recognized for her unique pottery style that combined traditional techniques with contemporary design.
5. What is Bruce Onobrakpeya known for?
   Bruce Onobrakpeya is known for his innovative printmaking techniques and contributions to contemporary Nigerian art.
6. How did Aina Onabolu influence modern Nigerian artists?
   He paved the way for modern art by incorporating Western techniques into Nigerian themes.
7. What themes are common in Akinola Lasekan’s artwork?
   His artworks often depict themes related to Nigerian culture, traditions, and history.
8. In what ways has Ladi Kwali’s work impacted pottery?
   She elevated pottery to an art form that gained international recognition and appreciation.
9. What role does Bruce Onobrakpeya play in art education?
   He has been involved in mentoring and teaching younger artists and has contributed to art programs.
10. What impact does contemporary art have on society?
    Contemporary art can raise awareness about social issues, provoke thought, and inspire change.
11. How do contemporary artists address current issues in their work?
    They often use modern techniques, materials, and themes relevant to today’s society.
12. Are there other notable contemporary Nigerian artists?
    Yes, other notable artists include El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
13. What materials are commonly used in contemporary art?
    Artists use various materials, including paint, clay, textiles, metal, and found objects.
14. How does contemporary art differ from traditional art?
    Contemporary art often incorporates new ideas, techniques, and media, while traditional art adheres to established styles and forms.
15. Can anyone become a contemporary artist?
    Yes, anyone can express themselves through contemporary art, regardless of formal training.

Presentation

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Identification of Palaces of Origin of Each Art.”
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Contemporary Nigerian Art/Artist.”
3. Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their contributions and corrects them when necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Facilitate discussions on contemporary art and its significance.
• Show images of works by pioneer artists.
• Provide information about the artists’ contributions.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions.
• Examine images of contemporary artworks.
• Share thoughts on the impact of these artists.

Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussions.
• Review responses to fill-in-the-blank questions.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define contemporary art.
2. Name two pioneer Nigerian artists and their contributions.
3. How did Aina Onabolu influence modern Nigerian art?
4. What techniques did Ladi Kwali use in her pottery?
5. Discuss the significance of Akinola Lasekan’s themes in his artwork.
6. How has Bruce Onobrakpeya impacted contemporary printmaking?
7. Why is it important to study contemporary artists?
8. Describe the role of contemporary art in reflecting societal issues.
9. What makes Ladi Kwali’s pottery unique?
10. Explain how traditional art has influenced contemporary Nigerian artists.

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark the answers and provides feedback on the topic. Summarize the importance of understanding contemporary art and the contributions of pioneer artists to Nigerian culture.