How the Zaria Art Society Rebelled

In 1958, a group of students at the Nigeria College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria came together to examine how their study of academic art related to the changes in society. They formed what would be known as the Zaria Arts Society and its members would be nicknamed the Zaria rebels. 

They were concerned about the influence of Western art, and rebelled trough the concept ‘natural synthesis.’ Each of the members explored their Nigerian roots with Western expressions and created new dialogues about art. They explored how society had developed from being traditional and colonial to being more modern and independent.

The members met for discussions and produced non-course work. The artworks were not shown to their lecturers, as they frowned on students' attempts to stage exhibitions outside the college. The movement was dismantled in 1962 and each of the artists would pursue their own careers

Members of the Zaria Rebels included Uche Okeke,  Bruce Onobrakpeya, Demas Nwoko, Yusuf Grillo, Simon Okeke, Jimoh Akolo, Oseloka Osadebe, Ogbonaya Nwagbara and Emmanuel Odita.

Uche Okeke was born in 1933 in Anambra State. He was the founder and president of the group. His guiding principle of the 'natural synthesis' saw to identify and upgrade the good in the local Nigerian values with equally good foreign ideas.

Born in 1934, Yusuf Grillo was the only muslim member of the group. His work is distinguished by integrating indigenous cultural forms with Western elements. He was inspired by the life and culture of Lagos. His interest in mathematics can be seen in his treatment of planes and the general composition of his paintings. He was the Director of the School of Art and design at the Yaba College of Technology.

Born in 1932, Bruce Onobrakpeya's paintings and prints were inspired by Uhrobo, Benin and Northern folktales, mythological figures and landscapes. He invented the writing style Ibiebe alphabets and ideograms to reflect his knowledge of his Urhobo heritage.

Born in 1934, Jimoh Akolo was only active with the Zaria Arts Society for three months. Though an initial member, he had to part ways for personal reasons. 

Members met for discussions and produced non-course works which were not shown to their lecturers, as they frowned on students' attempts to stage exhibitions outside the college. 

Decades later, the work of the Zaria Rebels still defines the concept of Nigerian contemporary art.