VISUAL ART EXHIBITION: A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL UNIFICATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper attempts a definition of the term exhibition with particular attention to Visual Art Exhibition, knowing that there are different forms of exhibitions that may not relate to visual arts. The paper equally highlighted on the various types of exhibitions pointing out the virtual exhibition as a new inclusion that has greatly changed the traditional format of visual art exhibition with its attendant impact on the outcome of the results of exhibitions. The highlighted focuses on the challenges of understanding the scope of the basic types of exhibition in contemporary times, as has been redefined by the concept of virtual exhibition. The relevance of exhibition to artists and the significance to the public is deeply discussed with the aim of positioning visual art exhibition in its rightful place as a catalyst for social change. This assertion could be seen in the significant effort of Kenneth C. Murray as a pioneer curator and organizer of visual art exhibition in Nigeria. Murray was a British Art Teacher in Nigeria who was instrumental to the establishment of Oron Museum in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, and he recognized Oron Carvings since 1938 and collected them for permanent art exhibition in the Oron Museum. The above therefore formed the conceptual framework of this paper. The opinions, positions and oppositions of other authorities in this matter are considered as they form the indices for postulating the idea of art exhibition as catalyst for social unification. However, the paper concludes that for the visual art exhibition to function as a catalyst for social unification, the elements of unity and integration must be factors the exhibitions composed of, for it to engender the expression of such feelings of social togetherness.