Former United States envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador Robin Sanders, has donated two of Chief Nike Okundaye, works to the Smithsonian Gallery in Washington DC, United States. The painting series entitled Liberal Women Protest March, parts I and II depicts the strength and resilience of African women. It also represents the collective power of Africa’s women, either the contemporary ones living on the continent or those in the Diaspora.
Okundaye’s paintings are not only part of the museum’s permanent collection but are mong the leading pieces at the beginning of the National Museum of African Art’s latest exhibition themed: “I am: Contemporary Women Artists from Africa.
Sanders, who is a collector of African art and a philanthropist, donated the pieces to the Smithsonian museum to ensure that the works of Okundaye were seen not only by Americans but put on international stage. “What I love about Mama Nike is that she is an embodiment of art and culture. When you hear her speak, you feel art comes alive and how much it is a part of you.When I saw the paintings, the pieces just spoke to me on so many levels but most importantly that they were so Nike!. Again, the role of art and culture has always been paramount in my life,” she said.
Okundaye said of the former US ambassador to Nigeria: “Sanders is a giver of no equal and her benevolence earned her the unique name Woman of the people while she was the U.S ambassador to Nigeria.” Okundaye who considers Sanders as one of her daughters added that Sanders’ donation of her work to the Smithsonian Museum has unequivocally helped shine a global limelight not just on me but by extension on all Nigerian artists associated with my centres.
“It is as a result of Sanders’ effort that I was given the honour and privilege of attending and speaking at the exhibition opening to showcase my work along with many reputable artists around the globe. This will remain evergreen in my memory and I will always show my profound gratitude to her,” she noted.
Leave a Reply