EXPLORATION OF AESTHETIC VALUES OF THE AGBOGHO-NJENJE COSTUME IN CONTEMPORARY PAINTING

Abstract

Masquerade events in Igbo land serve various purposes, including artistic appreciation, social justice, rectification of social evils, and entertainment. Traditional visual elements like colours, motifs, images, and textures inspire artists worldwide to create artistic endeavours. However, the exploration of the costumes of Agbogho-Njenje masquerade in painting is lacking hence this study. This research is driven by Intertextuality Theory, as popularized by Julia Kresteva in 1966. This theory emphasizes the shaping of a text’s meaning by another text. This paper explores the origins of Agbogho-Njenje costumes in Afikpo-Igbo, their unique aesthetic values and their potential for appropriation into contemporary painting, highlighting their unique artistic expression. The research uses participant observation and art practice-based methodologies, gathering data from primary and secondary sources. The findings validate Agbogho-Njenje as a pivotal hub for aesthetic innovation, underscoring its significance in contemporary painting through the studio's rich intellectual heritage. The study aims to enhance knowledge in visual arts and recommends artists to continue exploring this new field of creative awareness.