Nike Art Gallery I
I’ve heard about this gallery for a while, even from my dad. When I finally went, it was amazing and definitely worth my time. I even got to interview the management, so it was a good day for me. I’m going to divide the gallery posts into 2 or 3. This post being the main one and the other posts will have the interviews, and the store.
When I was going I was a bit worried because it was my first time unravelling a place on my own. I think this was one of the best decisions I made. It allowed me meet people and ask questions I probably wouldn’t have asked if someone tagged along.
Nike art gallery is in one word amazing. I don’t think I could describe it in any other way. Its four floors is home to about 6000-7000 pieces of art and draws people from all around, both local and foreign to see it. There are also branches in Abuja, Osogbo, Kogi Sate & America, and they all have what the types of artworks they show. One of the major aims of her galleries is to promote arts and culture in the country and beyond, and she does this by showcasing these pieces. As an artist herself, she identified a gap in that sector and decided to fill it.
Nike art gallery is owned by Mrs Nike Okundaye fondly called ‘mummy Nike’ by everyone, and she built all her galleries on her own, and always stresses that it was without help from the government.
Remember how I said I was a bit worried going there on my own? Well I have no idea why. Everyone was very welcoming and nice. I suppose she surrounds herself with positive energy. Before I entered, I met a nice gentleman and his daughter who told me they are cousins of mummy Nike and go there almost everyday.
Mr Haruna & his daughter
At the front of the gallery, you can already see a couple of artworks, like a metal bull and carved animals.
They then ushered me inside and pointed to where mummy Nike was sitting. Despite being busy, she got up when I got to her and gave me the warmest hug ever. She told me to enjoy the gallery and promised to get to me when she was less busy.
Next up I met the manager Mr. Tunji who later gave me an interview and I was very excited about it. Watch out for that in another post. 🙂
He told me that out of Africa, Nigeria has the best art works and Nike’s art gallery was possibly the biggest art gallery in West Africa and I think has one of the biggest collections in Africa (it’s an amazing feat).
Most pf the art works in the gallery are by Nigerians and Africans in general, except for 2 or 3 as which are by Americans. Mummy Nike is very adamant about promoting Nigerian work.