Title:   MIGRATION OF CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN ARTISTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: MATTERS ARISING

Abstract
About two (2) decades to the twilight of the 20th century, Nigeria contemporary/modern art started experiencing a massive 'brain drain' of its stakeholders and practitioners. At least in some scholars' parlance the migration of Nigerian artists to 'Euroamerican' nations did not in any way improve the condition of modern/contemporary African or Nigerian art whose meaning and essence has been determined by western standard. Rather it added to the global dislocation and the loss of identity currently bedeviling Africa/Nigeria modern and contemporary art. The 21st century did not change anything as the migration continued and increased in tempo. Also, one in every five (5) art graduates in Nigeria wants to leave for the west. Today we hear of 'Canada-based Nigerian Artist; US-based Nigerian Art Historian; or 'British-based Nigerian curator/Art critic.' A comprehensive review of related literature will be conducted on the historical/recent issues on migration accompanied by an In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with some art stakeholders in the country on their opinion on this trend/development. The study will be fine-tuned with a theoretical framework in migration studies and the Push and Pull Theory will suffice.
Keywords: Migration, Contemporary/Modern Art, West, Artists

Citations:

Publication Date: 2022-03-03