Visual Art Paper 2 (Essay) May/June 2015

Question 6

  1. Write notes on Gani Oduntokun with particular reference to:
    (a)        nationality;
    (b)        training;
    (c)        General contributions to the development of art

Observation

Majority of the candidates attempted this question and some of them gave appropriate answers while many others responded poorly and thus, failed to obtain the maximum mark. The following are some of the points expected from candidates:

  • Nationality

-         He was a Nigerian
(b)        Training
-         He had his elementary and secondary education in Ghana, from where
he started exhibiting artistic talents.
-           He came to Nigeria for his university education.

-           He studied Fine Art at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he
specialized in painting.
-           He graduated with a first class honours degree in 1975.
-           He obtained his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in 1979 from
A.B.U. Zaria.

(c)        General contributions to the development of art

-           He was an artist whose commitment was a source of inspiration to
many contemporary artists.
-           He lectured art in his alma-mater from 1976 until his death in 1995.
-           As a lecturer, Gani was a teacher and mentor to a good number of
Contemporary Nigerian artists, some of who are also lecturers of
Art e.g. Jerry Buhari, Jarri Jacob, Sani Mu’azu, Lasisi Lamidi.

  • Until his death, he was the Head of Fine Arts Department at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

-           Gani participated in over thirty-five group and solo exhibitions.
-           He executed numerous murals, sculptures, graphics and other artistic                       commissions.
-           He was a co-founder and leading light of the Zaria based art
Intellectuals known as The Eye Society.  A journal, which is dedicated to addressing issues in contemporary Nigerian art.
-           With his art works, he commented on social and political issues.
-           He was the  National Vice President of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).