Protest Metaphors: A Reading of Some Contemporary Nigerian Artists

Abstract

Humans, mostly those in authority have continuously done terrible things to other humans, and several instances of injustice have given rise to protests which spurred many contemporary Nigerian artists in narrating the events through their works. However, this phenomenon has been largely unexamined in the art historical literature. It is as a result of this shortcoming that the present study is looking at the art works, which portrayed moments of protest from the colonial period to the present day Nigeria. The study focuses on contents, styles and techniques. It was discovered that these vibrant expressions by these artists oscillate between naturalism, semi-abstract and pure abstract images.