The Artist and The Arts: Traditional and Religious Consciousness in Nigeria

Art has always been part of the African’s way of life and worship. It manifested in different aspects of national life; the daily chores, socio-political, economic and religious matters. However, because all aspects of life were then anchored on religious beliefs, religion became the pivot upon which Art rotated. This paper “The Artist and Arts: Nigeria’s Traditional & Religious Awareness” engages a literary exposure, examining how artists have through the creative visual practice become a pathway for traditional and religious civilization/ awareness. This study reviews the influence of art in African traditional religion, art as a tool for Christianity and Islamic practices in Nigeria, noting however, how art has essentially become a tool for the promotion of all religions. Interestingly, this research reveals how the utility of art works in terms of imagery and communication among the different religions in Nigeria can never be overemphasized. Among these three main religious bodies in Nigeria which are Christianity, Islam, African Traditional Religion, the use of art has become predominant. The researcher observes that even though these religious bodies subscribe to the positivity, relevance and utility of artworks, they hardly share same ideologies and doctrines. Therefore, this study intends to uncover the relationship and relevance of artists and art among the three main religions in Nigeria which are Christianity, Islam and Traditional worship and also their indisposition to share same doctrine as they willingly share art. Finally, this paper concludes that the artist has continued to influence religion and culture through art practice.