THE NIGERIAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST: SAMSON BAKARE
Samson Bakare is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist who was born in 1993. He is known for his work that centers around black identity and values, both in contemporary and historical contexts. Bakare’s work is a blend of classicism and stylization, which he calls Afro-classicism.
The artist has been influenced by East African Coptic art, and his work reflects this influence. Bakare’s artwork explores the complexity of black identity, history, and culture.
Bakare’s interest in art began at a young age, and he pursued his tertiary education at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria. He honed his skills under the tutelage of prominent and veteran Nigerian artists, which include the master artist Abiodun Olaku, Raji Babatunde, Edosa Oguigo, and Ejoh Wallac.
Bakare’s multidisciplinary approach to art has allowed him to experiment with different mediums, creating a diverse body of work that showcases his versatility and creativity.
One of the most prominent features of Bakare’s work is his use of geometric shapes. This design element reflects his interest in East African Coptic art, which also incorporates geometric shapes into its designs.
His artwork is also deeply rooted in his African heritage. He uses his art to explore the complexity of black identity and culture, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the African experience.
Bakare’s Afro-classicism is a significant movement in contemporary art. It celebrates black identity and values in current and historical contexts and encourages reevaluating black history and culture. The artist’s work has significantly contributed to the ongoing dialogue about black identity and representation in art.
In addition to his work as an artist, Bakare is also a curator and art educator. Samson Bakare’s work has received critical acclaim and exhibited in various galleries and art spaces in Nigeria and internationally. His work has also been featured in multiple publications, including Counter History (Paris, 2019), Counter-History Alliance Francaise (Lagos, 2019), and Occupied Space Exhibition (Accra, 2020). His work inspires and influences artists and audiences, significantly impacting the art world.
