Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Art History and Appreciation
Previous Lesson: Modern Nigerian Art 1900-1960: Development Areas.
Topic: CONTEMPORARY ARTIST, STUDIO ARTIST
Subject Matter: Meaning of contemporary artist, notable Nigerian contemporary artists, and the contributions of art to education and culture.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define a contemporary artist.
Identify notable Nigerian contemporary artists.
State the characteristics of contemporary art.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the contributions of contemporary artists to Nigerian culture.
Value the role of art in education and societal development.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify works by specific contemporary artists when presented with images.
Categorize different forms of contemporary art.

Discuss the impact of contemporary art on society.
Collaborate in identifying and appreciating diverse artistic expressions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Nigerian Visual Arts for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Photographs of selected Nigerian contemporary artists and their works
Slides or projector displaying examples of contemporary art
Art history notes and textbooks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables pupils to understand what contemporary art is and to recognize significant Nigerian artists who have shaped modern art. It helps them appreciate how art plays an important role in reflecting and enriching our education system and cultural heritage.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of different art forms and some historical art periods.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CONTEMPORARY ARTIST, STUDIO ARTIST

Meaning of Contemporary Artist

A contemporary artist is an artist who is actively working in the present era, typically using modern approaches, techniques, and materials. Their work often reflects current societal issues, cultural trends, and personal perspectives.

Characteristics of Contemporary Art

The following are characteristics of contemporary art:

Diversity in styles, materials, and concepts.
Often reflects social, political, and cultural issues.
Emphasizes experimentation and innovation.
Can be interdisciplinary, combining different art forms.
Focuses on the artist’s personal expression and interpretation.

Notable Nigerian Contemporary Artists and their Contributions

Some prominent Nigerian contemporary artists include:

Aina Onabolu (1882-1963): A pioneer of modern art in Nigeria, known for his realistic portraits and landscapes.
Ben Enwonwu (1917-1994): An internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor, famous for works like “Africa Dances” and “Anyanwu.”
Yusuf Grillo (b. 1934): A painter known for his distinctive cubist style, vibrant colours, and use of traditional Nigerian themes.
Ladi Kwali (c. 1925-1984): A renowned potter who promoted traditional Nigerian pottery globally, known for her hand-built earthenware.
Uche Okeke (1933-2016): A key figure in the “Nsukka School,” painter, sculptor, and art historian, who integrated Uli art forms into modern art.
Udo Emma: A notable Nigerian artist known for his contributions to the country’s art scene.
Akinola: An artist recognized for his significant works in contemporary Nigerian art.
Lasekan: A prominent figure in Nigerian art, contributing to various art forms.
Kolade: An artist known for his unique style and artistic expressions.
Osinowo: An artist whose works reflect aspects of Nigerian culture and society.
Erhabo Emopae: A contemporary Nigerian artist with notable contributions.
Agbo Folarin: An artist known for his diverse artistic practices and impact.

Contribution of Art to Education and Culture

The following are ways art contributes to education and culture:

To Education:
- Develops creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills in students.
- Enhances cultural awareness and appreciation, teaching about diverse societies.
- Provides alternative forms of expression for students.
- Teaches history, societal values, and moral lessons through visual narratives.
- Develops manual dexterity, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
To Culture:
- Preserves cultural heritage, traditions, and historical events for future generations.
- Reflects societal values, beliefs, and changes over time.
- Promotes national identity, unity, and pride through shared artistic expressions.
- Serves as a medium for social commentary and advocacy.
- Attracts tourism and contributes to economic development through art markets and galleries.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall any famous Nigerian artist they know and their works.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning artists like Ben Enwonwu or Ladi Kwali if they know any.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and link to prior knowledge about Nigerian artists.

Step 2: Meaning of Contemporary Artist

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the term “contemporary artist” as someone working in the present era using modern approaches and ideas.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes on the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core concept of a contemporary artist.

Step 3: Characteristics of Contemporary Art

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the key characteristics of contemporary art, such as diversity, experimentation, and reflection of current issues, using examples from the visual aids.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the examples, contribute to the discussion, and note down the characteristics.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the defining features of contemporary art.

Step 4: Notable Nigerian Contemporary Artists

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Presentation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents photographs or slides of notable Nigerian contemporary artists like Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, Ladi Kwali, Uche Okeke, and others, briefly mentioning their contributions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the artists and their works, asking questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize prominent Nigerian contemporary artists and their significance.

Step 5: Contribution of Art to Education

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Brainstorming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher initiates a discussion on how art contributes to the education of students, encouraging pupils to share their ideas.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute by mentioning points like creativity, cultural awareness, and skill development.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the educational benefits of art.

Step 6: Contribution of Art to Culture

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides a discussion on how art supports culture, emphasizing its role in preserving heritage and reflecting societal values.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils state ways art helps to preserve culture and reflect societal changes.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp art’s role in cultural preservation and expression.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a contemporary artist.
Mention four characteristics of contemporary art.
List five notable Nigerian contemporary artists.
Explain two ways art contributes to education.
State two ways art supports culture.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and assigns homework: “Research one contemporary Nigerian artist not discussed in class and write a short paragraph about their work.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and pupils are given a task to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Contemporary – belonging to or occurring in the present.
Artist – a person who creates art.
Studio – a room where an artist works.
Modern – relating to the present or recent times.
Culture – the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
Education – the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research and present on a specific contemporary art movement. For those who require more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and focus on identifying key artists and definitions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have clear visual aids (photographs, projected images) of the listed artists and their works to make the lesson engaging and concrete. Encourage class discussion to allow pupils to express their understanding and perspectives on contemporary art.