Booklist
The Nsukka group emerged in the wake of Nigeria's independence in 1960. The artists involved all belong to one of the three largest cultural groups in Nigeria, the Igbo. Uli, traditional Igbo body and wall paintings featuring curvilinear designs, have greatly influenced the work of each of the seven artists discussed. Ottenberg begins with a detailed history of twentieth-century Nigerian art, in which he explores the interplay of two major yet contradictory sources of inspiration: the graceful lines and patterns of uli and the aesthetics of modern European painting. Starting with the movement's founder, Uche Okeke, Ottenberg offers biographical and critical commentary on each artist and his or her work, accompanied by superb color reproductions. Obiora Udechukwu paints beautifully flowing abstractions. Tayo Adenaike's watercolors are lyrical in style and extraordinary in technique. El Anatsui, the only sculptor of the group, creates magnificent painted wood reliefs, and Ada Udechukwu, the only woman, is also the only one in the group to work in textiles Donna Seaman
Ingram
In response to political and social upheaval, University of Nigeria artists have turned to the obscure Igbo culture. Drawing on extensive interviews with the artists, and analyzing their art and writings, anthropologist Simon Ottenberg shows how the artists have used the symbols of a little-studied tradition to celebrate their culture and create visual commentaries on their country. 78 color, 115 b&w illustrations .
