Nigeria’s artistic story is one of continuity — a thread connecting the pioneers of modern art with contemporary creators who carry forward their vision. That thread takes center stage at “Enduring Legacies: A Collector’s Tribute to Masters,” a landmark group exhibition currently running at EPAC Studios, Ecobank Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos, from August 30 to September 21, 2025.
The show brings together more than 30 artists across generations, with rare works on display from iconic figures such as Bruce Onobrakpeya of the Zaria Art Society and Twins Seven Seven of the Oshogbo School, alongside celebrated names including Kolade Oshinowo, Muraina Oyelami, Jimoh Buraimoh, Tola Wewe, Rufus Ogundele, David Dale, Ablade Glover, Sam Ovraiti, Alex Nwokolo, and younger creators like Stanley Dudu and Edwin Enogieru.
Drawn from the private collection of Andrew Ine, one of Nigeria’s foremost collectors, the works span paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces — many being shown publicly for the first time. Collectively, they trace the evolution of modern Nigerian art, highlighting themes of morality, governance, cultural preservation, and unity, while affirming the richness of the nation’s creative inheritance.
For Ine, who owns over 30,000 works, the exhibition is deeply personal. “Each piece has a story, a history, and a creativity that deserves to be preserved. Displaying them feels like letting go of a part of me, but also like giving them back to the people,” he said during a tour of the exhibition.
Curated by Adekepemi Aderemi of Art Cadre Gallery, the project reflects both reverence and renewal. “To curate this show was to stand in the presence of Nigeria’s artistic soul. These masters not only defined what it means to create as Nigerians, they continue to influence our national consciousness and speak powerfully to global audiences,” she remarked.
The initiative is powered by Ecobank, in partnership with Art Cadre Gallery and Krabhouse Gallery, and fits within the bank’s wider commitment to cultural and creative development. According to Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank, the project is part of a broader mission to support African creativity — an ethos seen in previous initiatives such as the Adire Lagos Experience, the +234Art Fair, and Oja-Ògè.
“Art is a powerful driver of cultural and economic development,” Odu explained. “This exhibition celebrates the resilience of Nigerian creativity while creating space for scholars, collectors, and everyday art lovers to experience the wealth of our heritage.”
“Enduring Legacies” ultimately serves as more than a tribute — it is a dialogue between past and present, reminding Nigerians that their visual culture is not only history but a living, evolving force that continues to inspire.
