Smithsonian to honour Bruce Onobrakpeya as ‘The Mask and the Cross’ exhibition ends in US
By Editor
THE world-renowned National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian is preparing to honour one of Africa’s greatest artistic icon Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya in a grand closing ceremony for his groundbreaking exhibition The Mask and the Cross. This highly anticipated celebration, scheduled from January 10 to 12, 2024, will pay tribute to the legendary artist whose extraordinary work has redefined African art on a global stage.
Prof. Onobrakpeya, a pioneer of contemporary African art, holds the prestigious Smithsonian Lifetime Achievement Award and the UNESCO Living Human Treasure Award. Known for masterfully blending African spirituality, cultural heritage and modern artistic techniques, his art has become a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts around the world.
The event will bring together an illustrious gathering of art-world heavyweights and cultural influencers, including Dr. Perkins Foss, a celebrated art historian, Mr. Aki Debayo Doherty, a globally respected art collector and Lauren Tate Baeza, curator ofThe Mask and the Cross, who is travelling from Atlanta for the event.
The ceremony will also welcome the alumni of St. Gregory’s College North America, distinguished members of the Nigerian diaspora, and elite art collectors—all uniting to honour Prof. Onobrakpeya’s unparalleled contributions to art and culture.
Reflecting on this recognition, Prof. Onobrakpeya shared his reflections thus, “Art has been my lifelong journey of connecting history, spirituality, and humanity. Being honoured by the National Museum of African Art is a profound milestone, and I hope this exhibition continues to inspire a deeper appreciation of African culture worldwide.”
This extraordinary celebration is the culmination of months of meticulous planning, led by Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya, Kagbare Onobrakpeya Rowland and their Atlanta-based team. Their efforts also extended to coordinating exhibitions at both the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C.
Prof. Onobrakpeya’s illustrious career reflects the transformative power of art. His works transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, offering a timeless message of connection and innovation. This closing ceremony for The Mask and the Cross is not just an end—it is a celebration of a legacy that will forever resonate in the global art narrative.
Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya
