Towards Continuity and Change in African Art: An Adaptation of Mbaise Art Style into Modern Sculpture using Various Sculpture Media

Abstract

This study explores the ways of adapting Mbaise art style and history of Mbaise school of arts. The issue of identity in contemporary African Art still remains a point of controversy. Most western art critics and scholars dismiss the idea of identity and authenticity. To them, African contemporary art is a mere imitation of western art currents. This western opinion is misleading and wrong because there are evidences that contemporary African art is a continuation of African traditional art. This research is on working towards continuity and change in African Art by adapting the Mbaise art style into modern sculpture using various sculptural media. The purposes of the study include:To explore the ways of adopting Mbaise art style in this present era, to enlighten contemporary sculptors on the need to adopt indigenous art style, to create more awareness on the Mbaise art style and document the history of Mbaise art school. The study employs an explorative method of research. The work also adopted the method of studio art research which is problem solving and art production oriented. Data were sourced from both primary (oral) and secondary (written) sources. The area of the study is Mbaise in Imo State, of Nigeria. A total of 90 respondents were used for the research which comprised sculptors, painters, graphic designers, ceramists, textile designers, art historians and art critics. The instrument for data collection was a set of structured questionnaire developed by the researcher under the guidance of his supervisor and validated by Dr. F.L. Ulo rand Dr. J.N. Anyanwu of the Department of Measurement and Evaluation, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The data were analyzed using weighted mean. Creative production processes were also involved in the production of the work for the study. The sculpture media for the productions of art works for this study included wood, metals, plasters, plastics, polyester among others. . The art works produced during this study were qualitatively analyzed while the data collected were quantitatively analyzed. The findings were; Mbaise Art Style can be adapted using other sculpture media and techniques, social change in Igbo society influenced the continuity of Mbaise Art Style. This study poses some implications to studio art practice in general which include 1. Much can be achieved in art production by adapting the mbaise art style.2. sculptors are now aware of the contribution expected of them in improving and increasing the production of sculpture with various sculpture media.