Collectors Take Center Stage at Shyllon Museum
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Loading... - Obinna Edochie
- 13 Nov 2024
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The future trajectory of art collection in Africa is facing significant challenges, as highlighted in the 2024 State of the African Art Market report titled Voice of the Collector by IMODARA. The report reveals a concerning trend: an aging collector base that raises questions about the sustainability of the classic African art market. This situation is exacerbated by a noticeable lack of engagement from younger generations, which could potentially lead to a contraction in the market in the years to come.
The Role of Museums in Cultivating New Collectors
In this context, the role of museums becomes increasingly crucial in attracting and nurturing new collectors. As art expert Jean Fritts notes, “museums that have an active engagement programme for collectors—friends groups, changing displays, talks, and rotating exhibitions—actively encourage the interest of new collectors.” This proactive approach is essential for revitalizing the art market and ensuring its longevity.
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University in Ajah-Lekki, Lagos, is taking significant steps in this direction with its upcoming exhibition titled Collecting Now: Perspectives on Contemporary Art Collecting in Nigeria, which opens on October 26, 2024. This exhibition echoes Fritts' sentiments, emphasizing that “collecting is a journey that requires a time commitment.”
Celebrating the Role of Collectors
Recognizing collectors as vital figures in the art ecosystem, Collecting Now features works from prominent Nigerian collectors, including Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Kola Aina, Gbenga and Aisha Oyebode, Dotun Sulaiman, Adeniyi Adenubi, and Eyamba Dafinone. Leading this group is Prince Shyllon, whose transformative contributions to both the museum and the Nigerian art world have significantly elevated the status of Nigerian art on a global scale. His collection, alongside those of the other featured collectors, provides a fascinating exploration of the motivations behind their collecting practices, revealing the personal philosophies that guide their choices.
This groundbreaking exhibition offers a unique insight into the personal and curatorial journeys of six influential Nigerian art collectors. Their passion, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of contemporary Nigerian art.
Insights from the Exhibition
Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, emphasizes the exhibition's significance: “Collecting Now isn’t just about displaying beautiful artworks; it’s about exploring the vision and passion of six remarkable collectors. These collectors are not just buyers; they’re patrons and storytellers playing a vital role in shaping what contemporary Nigerian art looks like today and how it will be remembered tomorrow. Their collections reflect their deep commitment to supporting artistic expression, preserving cultural heritage, and shaping the future of contemporary Nigerian art.”
The exhibition will showcase over 80 carefully curated works that span various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. These works reflect the multiplicity of voices within contemporary Nigerian art, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with the diverse tastes and curatorial visions of the participating collectors. As “gatekeepers” of artistic expression, these collectors have played a pivotal role in elevating Nigerian art, not only within the country but also on the international stage.
The Impact of Collectors on Cultural Heritage
Mr. Kola Aina, Chairman of the YSMA Advisory Board and a participating collector in the exhibition, adds, “The Collecting Now exhibition offers more than just a view of contemporary Nigerian art; it delves into the profound impact we have, as collectors, in shaping the artistic canon. The discerning choices of collectors help to preserve our cultural heritage and promote the vibrant expressions of African art.”
This sentiment underscores the importance of collectors in the broader narrative of art history and cultural preservation. By actively engaging with artists and supporting their work, collectors not only contribute to the economic viability of the art market but also play a crucial role in ensuring that the rich cultural narratives of Africa are celebrated and remembered.
As the Collecting Now exhibition prepares to open, it stands as a testament to the vital role that collectors play in the art ecosystem. By showcasing their collections and sharing their stories, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art is not only celebrating the beauty of contemporary Nigerian art but also fostering a new generation of collectors who will continue to support and elevate the African art market. In doing so, the museum is helping to ensure that the future of art collection in Africa is not only sustainable but also vibrant and diverse.
