Ikpakronyi is new National Gallery Acting DG

Dr. Simon O. Ikpakronyi has assumed duty as the Acting Director General, National Gallery of Art (NGA). The statement signed by the Director of Media, NGA, Mr. Oji Onoko reads that Ikpakronyi took over from Abdullahi Muku, whose tenure expired on March 16.

The new Acting D. G, 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 the University of Ibadan.

Ikpakronyi had also obtained a Bachelor degree (B.A.) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in the same discipline, and a Certificate in Policy, Strategy and Leadership from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Jos.

Before his elevation, he was the Director, Planning and Research, NGA. He had earlier served as Director, Planning and Documentation as well as the Director, Educational Services.

A foundation staff of NGA, Ikpakronyi worked closely with three Director Generals in the organization and has curated several art exhibitions. He has also written extensively on modern African Art, particularly, the Nigerian art

Some of his seminal publications include, 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.

The Acting DG is a member of such international associations as the 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).

Ikpakronyi is expected to bring his wealth of experience in Art theory, practice and management to reposition NGA in line with the changing times.