The burgeoning Nigerian art market is set to receive a major boost as online art platform, Artyrama, plans to unveil a new work called ‘Identity Tones’.
‘Identity Tone’, is the work of multi-disciplinary artist, John Madu, who sought to call attention to Nigerian heritage while also promoting it.
Madu’s work is represented through personal iconographic symbols such as metaphors, texture, indigenous patterns and colours.
According to Madu, the philosophy behind his works, rest on the premise that true art is based on a chain reaction to socio-economic issues or immediate environment.
The latest work contemplates the effect of globalisation on African identity using collages, portraiture, figurative symbolism and mixed media to bring it to life. The eclectic mix of source material is influenced by pop culture, African art history, music and live experiences.
Shedding more light on the collection, Madu explained: “The Nigerian way of life is gradually fading away on the excuse of globalisation, which is being aided by internet wildness, this work specifically reflects the time that we live in.
The spread of popular culture via social media has created an increase in cross cultural contacts which is a good thing, but original cultural practices can be lost in the process.
“Identity tones captures how I interpret this new state of consciousness.”
