The Concept of Neo-Baroque as a Contemporary Contraption in Traditional Patterns of Durbar Paintings of John Oyedemi

Abstract

The patterns in Durbar festivals are the subject of inexhaustible artistic investigation by artists in Nigeria. The visual documentation of every section of Durbar elicits a nostalgic feel of certain familiar designs found in other climes. The practices of doing by artists in this domain lead to the discovery of patterns that motivate the imagination of artistic expedition through time to create theatrical impressions on canvas. The inspiration for this study was derived from art practices and adventures into Neo-Baroque culture, which is seen as a contemporary contraption for more than two decades in the handling of subject matter by the artist. This visual experience creates fascinating inspirational images through the use of varied colour schemes. The aim is to achieve compositions that imitate colours and symbols of Durbar to make configurations of the subject. Also, to ensure each study portends an array of colour juxtaposition forming clusters of splendor inherent in Durbar. To realize this, the colours used were restricted to the primaries of Red, Blue and yellow, and the neutrals of black and white in analyzing patterns to create desirable effects. This paper concludes that the consequences of paintings from the theme ‘Durbar’ would stimulate more artistic exploration because of their numerous intrinsic possibilities.