The Significance of the Use of Local Traditional Elements in Modern Paintings for Ethnic Identification

Abstract

It was established that there is a wide range of regional artistic forms that are indigenous to Nigerian culture. In traditional paintings in Nigeria, all these regional forms are reflected in our works which the materials are locally sourced. The materials ranging from raw materials from plants and earth colours are used to depict various cultural themes. The preponderance of traditional materials gave rise to stylization and modification of forms to create themes, which are essentially imbued with naturalistic characteristic. The indigenous painting looks flattened, exaggerated and elongated in a mannerist tendency. The designs are also cubistic and when his subjects are viewed critically, such naturalistic elements are evident. The pattern/motifs are now applied on textiles and used in all sort of visual art such as painting. There are group of artists known as the Ona and Nsukka groups and few artists from the North which are known for reviving the art of indigenous forms in modern times and using art mediums of today like gouche, watercolour, acrylic and so on.