NGA: Ikpakronyi resumes as acting DG

Dr. Simon Odey Ikpakronyi has resumed as the Acting Director General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA). He took over the helms of affairs following the expiration of the second tenure of Mr. Abdullahi Muku, as director general on March 16, 2019. Ikpakronyi, was before this appointment, the Director, Planning and Research. He had […]

Dr. Simon Odey Ikpakronyi has resumed as the Acting Director General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA). He took over the helms of affairs following the expiration of the second tenure of Mr. Abdullahi Muku, as director general on March 16, 2019.

Ikpakronyi, was before this appointment, the Director, Planning and Research. He had earlier served as Director, Planning & Documentation and Director, Educational Services.

Rising through the ranks from being a foundation staff of the NGA, Ikpakronyi worked closely with three past DGs of the organisation and is credited for curating several art exhibitions. He has also written extensively on modern African Art and particularly on the subject as relates to Nigeria.

Ikpakronyi was a student of the Ahmadu Bello University, from where he graduated with a Bachelors in Art History in 1991.

In 197 he received Masters of Art (M.A) in African Art History from University of Ibadan, and a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in the same discipline from the same institution, in 2005.

For his next two degrees, he chronicled the studio practices of two of Nigeria’s widely celebrated visual artists.

He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,  with his thesis focusing on the works of renowned sculptor, Prof Tonie Okpe.

For his doctorate degree which he acquired in 2015 Ikpakronyi focused on the paintings of the widely celebrated artist, Kolade Oshinowo in his dissertation ‘Kolade Oshinowo and the creative professionalism in norther Nigeria Art.’

He has published works on visual arts practice and practitioners in Nigeria. They include: ‘Timothy Adebajo Fasuyi: The Doyen of Zaria Art School’ in ‘Timothy Adebanjo Fasuyi: A Renowned Artist and Educationist.’

Another is ‘Ben Enwonwu: One of the Two Pillars of Nigerian Modern Art’ in ‘Ben Enwonwu: Life and Times.’ He also published ‘Yusuf Grillo and His Contemporaries in the Growth of Nigerian Art’ in ‘Yusuf Grillo: His Life and Works.”

Ikpakronyi also worked on the practice and life of Uche Okeke which brought about the publication, ‘Uche Okeke: Exponent of Drawing in Modern Nigerian Visual Art’ in ‘Nku Di Na Mba: Uche Okeke and Modern Nigerian Art; The Zaria Art Society: Insight in the Zaria Art Society: A New Consciousness.’

His work on the art maestros Oshinowo, brought the publication, ‘Kolade Osinowo: Biography and Interest in Painting’ in ‘Osinowo: Modern Art of Benin Kingdom: Their Classifications and Cultural Relevance.’ It was a part of the publication, ‘The Coronation: Art of Benin Kingdom.’

is a member of such international associations as Art Council of African Studies Association (ACASA); International Committee of Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) and International Council of Museums & Art Council or Movements and Sites (ICOM/ICOMS). He also belongs to Art Historical Association of Nigeria (AHAN); Nigerian Curators’ Guild (NCG); Nigerian Art Studies Association (NASA); Museum Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Pan African Circle of Artists (PACA).