Art has been my lifelong journey of connecting history, spirituality, and humanity. Being honoured by the National Museum of African Art is a profound milestone, and I hope this exhibition continues to inspire a deeper appreciation of African culture worldwide
LEGENDARY artist and culture patron, Bruce Onobrakpeya, will be honoured at the closing ceremony of his ongoing exhibition, The Mask and the Cross at the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian in the United States.
Scheduled to hold from January 10 to 12, the ceremony s designed to wrap up the ground-brealing exhibition, which has in past months put the works of nonagenarian artist o a global scale.
According to a press statement from the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation, BOF, dignitaries expected at the event include: Dr. Perkins Foss , a celebrated art historian, Aki Debayo Doherty, a globally respected art collector, and Lauren Tate Baeza , curator of The Mask and the Cross, who is travelling from Atlanta for the event.
“The ceremony will also welcome alumni of St. Gregory’s College North America , distinguished members of the Nigerian diaspora, and elite art collectors — all uniting to honour Prof. Onobrakpeya’s unparalleled contributions to art and culture,” stated the statement, signed by Dr Mudiare Onobrakpeya, director of the Foundation,
Known for masterfully blending African spirituality, cultural heritage, and modern artistic techniques, Onobrakpeya, a pioneer of contemporary African art, holds the Smithsonian Lifetime Achievement Award and the UNESCO Living Human Treasure Award. His art has become a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts around the world.
“Prof. Onobrakpeya’s illustrious career reflects the transformative power of art. His works transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, offering a timeless message of connection and innovation. This closing ceremony is not just an end—it is a celebration of a legacy that will forever resonate in the global art narrative.”
Reflecting on this recognition, Onobrakpeya stated, “Art has been my lifelong journey of connecting history, spirituality, and humanity. Being honoured by the National Museum of African Art is a profound milestone, and I hope this exhibition continues to inspire a deeper appreciation of African culture worldwide.”
“This extraordinary celebration is the culmination of months of meticulous planning, led by Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya, Kagbare Onobrakpeya Rowland, and their Atlanta-based team. Their efforts also extended to coordinating exhibitions at both the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C.”
