Nigerian Contemporary Art: The NFT Marketplace and People that Don’t Know How to Quit

The concept of governance has evolved extensively. This is evident in the evolution from the first ‘city-state’ notion of it practiced in Greece (born out of necessity and aided by the Mediterranean geography) to a largely democratic system, attainable in most parts of civilized society today.

From Ancient Greece to Modern-Day Democracy

As civilized society grew and the absolute rule of kings weakened, enlightened philosophers argued for different forms of democracy.

In Rousseau’s The Social Contract , he debated that for a government to adequately serve all parties involved, people needed to enter into a ‘social contract’.  This meant that they would give up the autonomy of their rights, not to a king but to “the whole community,”(all the people). 

These people would then exercise their “general will” to enact laws that would satisfy the “public good”.  Other philosophers over time have offered their two cents regarding the matter. 

For instance Locke, Montesquieu and Hobbes articulated convergent and divergent opinions on the purpose of the ideal democratic system. However, their musings all began from considering the good of the “common” man and the necessity of his freedom.

In a nutshell, the goal of a government has morphed over time to allow for the enablement of aggregated structure – one that echoes the need of the collective over the individual and stems from an understanding that we do not and have never existed in isolation. 

On Nigerian Governance

It should be clear that for all intents and purposes, Nigeria is a democratically governed state and has been so continuously since 1999; a blessing or curse which came after extended periods of military rule.

Tangible reality, on the other hand, suggests that we are a people constantly at logger-heads with “the powers that be” for a right to survive and an opportunity to thrive. Hard work, dedication, innovation, and ingenuity have often been met with massive brick walls of resistance by way of policies and laws that turn basic human amenities into rare luxuries. 

In Nigeria, our government nests in a world of opposites, where the interests of the individuals in power rise far above that of the people they were chosen to serve. 

I don’t imagine Rousseau would approve. 

Be that as it may, corruption is not unique to Nigeria. 

Human greed and a complete lack of empathy are age-old vices that have transcended race and survived centuries, but by every yardstick available, the Nigerian leadership is exceptional at it. So much so that the average Nigerian has learned to expect “things” to worsen. 

“Things” being anything from gross mismanagement of funds to security, healthcare, and of course the economy. It can be tough out here, and whatever tiny graces a dysfunctional system offers, soft landings of structure and competence are desperately welcome.

Granted, the first part of this story has been an elaborate diss track but it does get better. 

From here, I will focus on the silver lining that continues to tear through unending dark clouds, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of people that don’t know how to quit.

In deep waters polluted by a broken government and menacing adversaries, the Nigerian people; like a 15-year-old Phelps on his way to his first world record; swim hard and fast.

Live or die, Sink or Swim – George Peele 

All that is Nigerian and perceived to be good is a product of self-starters at home and scattered across the globe.

Regardless of the medium; music, sports, emerging technology or even  pushing the envelope with bitcoin trading, resilience shines through, diabolic perhaps in its irony - the idea that pressure births diamonds,

Art will save us all 

The latest in the long line of global trends that Nigerians have found a comfortable place in is the NFT marketplace, using contemporary art as an introduction into the world of Non-fungible tokens. 

Nigerian contemporary art – like art coexistent with any specific time period – reflects the realities of modern-day Nigeria, with moving representations of a struggle, peace in the face of chaos, a need to create unique realities and a longing for a time when things ‘worked’.

This is also true, for the work that many Nigerian digital artists have listed on NFT marketplaces. 

As the concept of NFTs and the possibilities of harnessing new opportunities to earn a living became clearer to more people. Nigerian digital artists like Z4HIIR, Mayowa, and Anthony Azekwoh; to name a few, have learned the ropes and applied an already stacked reserve of talent to fully take advantage of the space.

The efforts and successes of these young artists has helped digital art achieve mainstream status in the country, greatly improving its perceived legitimacy in the process. For instance, Anthony Azekwoh, held an exhibition with exclusively digital art, in what he described as the biggest showcase of his work.

Feats like this have helped usher in an influx of many new artists that are finding a love for the digital medium, aided by the many incentives that now appear within reach.

The dawn of NFTs has provided more avenues for a wider range of talent within the country to earn, in the absence of middlemen. In this case gallery curators. 

The result of this new wave of artists has been nothing short of exceptional and it comes as no surprise that they continue to record life-changing sales. Owing to the fact that Nigerian art – African art generally – has always possessed a deeply enticing quality to it. 

It is unclear what the future holds as the world seems intent on galloping towards a truly decentralized internet. Two things are clear nonetheless:

1)    Every walk of Life will come into direct or indirect contact with NFT technology in the coming years. Emmanuel Awosika already highlights ways it can intersect with business.

2)    As the new normal becomes apparent, whenever there are opportunities to create better realities than the ones that shroud us, you will find a Nigerian leading the charge in some capacity.