NCMM and Coronation Group celebrate Nigerian sculptor Ben Enwonwu’s impact with a new Lagos exhibition featuring his iconic Queen Elizabeth II sculpture.
In a remarkable tribute to Nigeria’s artistic heritage, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), in partnership with Coronation Group Ltd., has unveiled a permanent exhibition celebrating the work of acclaimed sculptor Ben Enwonwu.
Held at the NCMM in Lagos, the exhibition, titled *Building A Nation: Ben Enwonwu and the Impact of Sculpture,* presents Enwonwu’s iconic 1956 sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II alongside a selection of his globally recognised works, exploring his lasting influence on Nigerian and pan-African art.
The bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, commissioned during her visit to Nigeria in 1956, captures the late Queen seated with her hands resting gracefully in her lap.
The late Enwonwu completed the piece after she sat for him in London in 1957, and it debuted at the Royal Society of British Artists later that year. This masterpiece, considered priceless, represents Enwonwu’s profound skill in blending Western and African influences, a theme woven through the entire exhibition.
Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, highlighted Enwonwu as a national treasure, emphasising that his works are essential for fostering cultural pride and preserving Nigeria’s artistic legacy.
“Ben Enwonwu is one of Africa’s greatest treasures. Every Nigerian and African should have access to this,” Musawa stated.
She also underscored the government’s commitment to public-private partnerships, citing cultural preservation as a vital component of her ministry’s goals.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Coronation Group Ltd., echoed this sentiment, underscoring the role of the private sector in cultural preservation.
He expressed pride in making Enwonwu’s work accessible to the public and shared his personal connection to Nigeria’s artistic landscape.
“I began visiting this museum at age four when my mother worked here as a curator,” he recalled. “Art and culture are among Africa’s most profound gifts to the world.”
NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway described the exhibition as a bridge between Nigeria’s ancient art and modern artistic expressions.
He noted that Enwonwu’s sculptures offer deep insights into Nigeria’s journey toward independence, capturing themes of resilience and cultural pride that continue to shape Nigeria’s identity.
Researcher and art historian Neil Coventry added that Enwonwu’s work delves into themes of African identity, positioning his sculptures as vessels of historical and cultural storytelling.
As Nigeria celebrates the transformative power of art through Enwonwu’s work, Aig-Imoukhuede encouraged visitors to share this cultural milestone.
“Take a piece of history, take a photograph, and let people know we are elevating Nigerian art to new heights,” he said.
The exhibition stands as a testament to Ben Enwonwu’s legacy and his enduring impact on Nigerian and African art, offering the public a powerful glimpse into the nation’s cultural narrative.
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