7 Highlights at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum

Uche Okeke was a leading figure in the history of modern African Art. He is a founding member of the famous Zaria Art society. Okeke died in 2016 at the age of 82.

This illustration depicts a scene from Nigerian author Chinua Achebe's iconic book "Things Fall Apart." The abstract painting depicts Ajofia, leader of the council of Masquerade judges (Egwugwu) confronting the European missionary, Mr. Smith, in front of their local church about the unmasking of a masquerade by one of his zealots.

Ben Osaghae (1962-2017) was famous for his stylish approach to contemporary society through his abstract expressionism. 'The Return of the Lean Dogs' captures a group of young men, presumably vigilante or gang members, fraternizing over cigarettes and palm wine, probably after a long and stressful day.

Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Ben Osaghae graduated from The Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in 1986. He worked as senior instructor in Painting, Life Drawing and History of Art at Auchi Polytechnic. His work was exhibited in Lagos, Accra, Douala and Paris.

Yusuf Grillo is considered one of Nigeria's most outstanding and academically trained painters. He studied at Cambridge University in England, and later in Germany and the US. He emerged to international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s.

Yusuf Grillo's artworks combine western art techniques with traditional Yoruba sculpture, which in particular can be seen in his use of blue similar to that of adire.

In this painting, the artist has captured traditional Yoruba drummers, thought to be returning from performing at an event. The three figures appear to be carrying objects which look like drums. The spray of rich blue and green hues are evident on the figures and background of the piece.

Erhabor Emokpae (1934-1984) was born in benin City and is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern art in Nigeria. He studied at Yaba trade centre and worked as Creative Director of Lintas in 1973. He has exhibited in Nigeria, West Germany, London, Brazil and Canada. He gained international recognition through his commissioned artworks for FESTAC 77.

The sculpture's title 'Abikun', also spelt "Abiku" in Yoruba, simply means "Predestined to die". In Yoruba mythology, it refers to a child who dies before puberty, normally before or around the age of 12. Iya Abikun is the mother of such a child. The expression of frailty, sadness and pain is written all over the face of the mother who is a victim of this spiritual misfortune. The heart is full of anxiety about the future of her child as every minute of his/her existence is unpredictable.