Archetypal and Archetypes: A Further Search in Art Practice of Nigerian Diaspora Artists

Abstract

The archetypal has been explored in themes’ and symbols’ conceptualisation. But scholars have not deeply explored its properties toward visual artists’ characteristic determination. The artist’s profession and individualism enrich the documentation of man and environment in visual history, while outwardly exhibiting his/her intrapersonal conflicting situations. This possibility, in all forms, is moderated in new ideas and information. Many Diaspora artists change and advance through un-learning pre-diasporic experiences and imbibing new ones at diasporic level. This attitude facilitates these artists’ innovations in form, style, material and context. This study searches for the archetypal and archetypes that genuinely represent the characteristics of Nigerian Diaspora artists. It navigates the discourse by illustrating with works of some Diaspora painters. Theory of Change (ToC) is explored. Idea-inform is identified as the intangible archetypal; and Abstraction, Thoroughness and Self-extension are identified as the intangible archetypes. While the study raises fundamental questions on the invisibility of non-academically trained painters in the Diaspora, it submits that: one, the environment and potential capabilities of the painters notwithstanding, if a painter chooses to be abreast of idea-inform, education and gets thorough in visual output, healthy practice conflicts will result and profitable projection for the future will materialise. And two, the archetypal conception of idea-inform can cut across disciplinal boundaries. It concludes that formal education and training is essential for the artist to build psychological and socio-cultural fortification in this 21st century Diasporic age