The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) is a contemporary art museum established in Lekki, Lagos on the 18^th of October 2019. The YSMA, PAU is Nigeria’s first university art museum richly endowed with over 1000 artworks from the private collection of its principal benefactor, Prince Yemisi Shyllon. Thanks to his impact, YSMA hosts one of the most diverse art collections in the country which are made accessible to all visitors. 

Inside the YSMA

The YSMA galleries showcase a comprehensive and diverse art collection that cuts across cultures, artists, movements and media. The first gallery is devoted to the exhibition titled Making Matter: Materiality and Technology in Nigerian Art. It shows the diversity of materials in Nigerian art and celebrates the creativity and talent of the country’s artists.

Wota na wota

The Wota na Wota artwork is the first peek for all visitors. This artwork was created and donated by the artist, Lanre Tejuoso in 2019. It is made of discarded sachets of water, snacks and chewing sticks dipped in dye.

The Oshogbo Art Movement

This section is dedicated to members of the Oshogbo School of Art. The movement was created in the 1960s by Susanne Wenger and was significant in the revival of the artistic traditions and culture of the Yoruba people. The section hosts works of artists from the school including founder, Susanne Wenger, Nike Davies-Okundaye, Muraino Oyelami, Rufus Ogundele, and Twins Seven-seven.

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Dike

This is one of the favourites of the YSMA visitors. The almost 3-metre-high artwork is titled Dike, which means ‘hero’. It was created by artist George Edozie who is well-known for making huge sculptures using ripped and discarded clothing materials.  

Unity In Diversity

This artwork by artist Kainebi Osahenye is made of painted papier-mâché. It depicts our interconnectedness, regardless of our differences, and the need to channel our consciousness towards the elements of unity for us to grow.

Black Gold

The Black Gold artwork is created by artist Kainebi Osahenye from discarded soda and alcohol cans nailed on plywood boards. It is a comment on the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. 

The Ancient Art of Benin

The historic bronze sculptures of Benin represent emblems of its culture, history and craftsmanship. 

Bruce’s Corner

At the YSMA, an entire corner is dedicated to artist Bruce Onobrakpeya, whose signature art features works in both print and various techniques. There is the 14 Stations of the Cross, which is a collection of prints portraying the passion of Christ in Nigeria.

All things Ben Enwonwu

This section includes paintings and bronze sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, Africa’s renowned artist. It features one of his famous portraits titled Ogbanje  (a child predestined to die) which was painted in 1967. The portrait documents the Igbo traditional belief in the reincarnation of children.