National Gallery of Art gets new acting DG

Dr. Simon Odey Ikpakronyi has assumed duty as Acting Director General, National Gallery of Art (NGA). He takes over from Abdullahi Muku whose second tenure as DG, NGA expired on March 16.

Ikpakronyi holds a Master’s degree and Ph. D in Art History from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He equally has a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees in Visual Arts: Art History (African Studies) from University of Ibadan.

Interestingly, he obtained his Bachelor’s (B.A.)  from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in the same discipline. And from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Jos, he bagged a Certificate in Policy, Strategy and Leadership.

He was before his elevation, the Director, Planning and Research, NGA. Earlier, he served as Director, Planning & Documentation and Director, Educational Services. A foundation staff of NGA, Ikpakronyi worked closely with three past DGs in the organization and has curated several art exhibitions. He has written extensively on modern African Art and that of Nigeria in particular.

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Some of his seminal publications are: “Timothy Adebajo Fasuyi: The Doyen of  Zaria Art School”  in Timothy Adebanjo Fasuyi: A Renowned Artist and Educationist;” Ben Enwonwu: One of the Two Pillars of Nigerian Modern Art” in Ben Enwonwu: Life and Times; ”Yusuf Grillo and His Contemporaries in the Growth of Nigerian Art” in Yusuf Grillo: His Life and Works; ”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; “Kolade Osinowo;s Biography and Interest in Painting” in Osinowo; “Modern Art of Benin Kingdom: Their Classifications and Cultural Relevance” in The Coronation: Art of Benin Kingdom among others.

Dr. Ikpakronyi 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).

He is expected to bring his wealth of experience in art theory, practice and management to reposition the National Gallery of Art in line with the changing times.