The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will culminate its groundbreaking exhibition, The Mask and the Cross, with a grand closing ceremony from January 10 to 12, 2025, dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of the trailblazing Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most significant modern artists, Onobrakpeya has profoundly influenced global perceptions of contemporary African art through his innovative techniques and storytelling.

A Legacy of Excellence
The exhibition, originally showcased at the High Museum of Art before its Smithsonian debut, chronicles Onobrakpeya’s illustrious career and the evolution of his artistry. Known for his avant-garde approach to printmaking, he masterfully merges African spirituality and cultural symbolism with European methodologies, creating a unique visual lexicon that bridges tradition and modernity.

Onobrakpeya’s accolades include the prestigious Smithsonian Lifetime Achievement Award and UNESCO’s Living Human Treasure Award, affirming his status as a global art icon. His work has inspired generations of artists, continuing to shape the narrative of African modernism.

A Weekend with Bruce Onobrakpeya
The grand closing celebration, titled A Weekend with Bruce Onobrakpeya, offers a rich array of activities designed to immerse attendees in the artist’s creative universe. Highlights include:

• Panel discussions featuring renowned art historians and curators.
• Guided tours of the exhibition in English and Pidgin.
• A formal reception celebrating Onobrakpeya’s contributions.
• An exclusive artist talk and Q&A session with Onobrakpeya himself.

The event promises to provide an intimate glimpse into the artist’s philosophy, groundbreaking techniques, and enduring impact on the art world.

A Historical Perspective
The Mask and the Cross has drawn critical acclaim for its exploration of Onobrakpeya’s journey, including his role in Nigeria’s cultural renaissance during the 1960s. The Smithsonian’s iteration expands on this narrative with a special focus on post-independence Nigerian printmakers and influential art collectives like the Mbari Club and the Osogbo Art Movement.

These groups, which championed printmaking techniques such as linocut and deep etching, laid the groundwork for a new visual language that combined indigenous motifs with global modernist influences. Onobrakpeya’s innovations in this domain, exemplified in works like Poets and Fetters (1980), underscore his pivotal role in redefining African art.

A Timeless Vision
As The Mask and the Cross approaches its final days, the Smithsonian’s tribute to Bruce Onobrakpeya underscores his unparalleled contributions to art and culture. By celebrating his legacy, the museum continues to honor the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation that defines African modernism.

The exhibition runs through January 21, 2025, with A Weekend with Bruce Onobrakpeya marking its grand finale—a fitting homage to a true titan of art.