The ratio of male to female artists in Nigeria is strongly imbalanced in favour of men. In art schools, men are a majority of faculty members. Among art collectors, the inequality is even stronger. These are incontrovertible facts. But, the overall picture is more nuanced than that. Using economic terms, it is reasonable to say that art production and consumption are dominated by men. But this is not wholly the case in what refers to the interpretation and dissemination of art in Nigeria. More often than not, the person between the artist and the collector is a woman. I list below some of the most active and influential ones.
A caveat: this list is NOT a ranking –they are mentioned alphabetically-; it does not aim at being comprehensive and it does not include artists and collectors (I intend to prepare a post exclusively on female artists and later on, one on Nigerian collectors). I am aware of the risk of listing together persons with such diverse levels of experience and influence on the visual arts, but I think doing it can be of use to those not very well acquainted with the Nigerian art scene. The “insiders” already know well who is who and who does what. For the rest, I hope this list helps them get a glimpse of the breadth and depth of the Nigerian artworld and the important role women play in it.
a view from my corner 
Estimado Jess:
Muchas gracias por el magnífico artículo, de las mujeres nigerianas relacionadas con el arte.
Las estudiaré con calma.
Saludos cordiales,
Jesús Bandín.
________________________________ De: a view from my corner Enviado: miércoles, 22 de febrero de 2017 9:52 Para: jesusbandin1@hotmail.com Asunto: [New post] EIGHTEEN WOMEN SHAPING THE NIGERIAN VISUAL ARTS
Jess Castellote posted: ” The ratio of male to female artists in Nigeria is strongly imbalanced in favour of men. In art schools, men are a majority of faculty members. Among art collectors, the inequality is even stronger. These are incontrovertible facts. But, the overall pictu”
Nice write up Mr. Jess. I didn’t know you had interest in the acts aside from architecture and project management.
I didn’t know Nigeria has this much female art enthusiasts and leaders till I read this article. Eye opening and insightful; well done sir!
I have not only read the book you’ve written with Late Mr Sammy Olagbaju on Nigerian Art(Contemporary Nigerian Art In Lagos Private Collections), but I have also been following your blog for more than seven years now and, one important aspect of these articles is, you know this terrain very well and, you’re always been on point. Kudos!
Yes, sir! A wonderful article and a wonderful idea, like always.
It’s necessary for everyone to know these ladies and their efforts towards art and Nigerian artists. I feel privileged to know them thanks to you.
Amazing Profiles. I celebrate these women who are shaping he face and future of arts, not only in Nigeria but Africa.
What of Polly Alakija?
What an amazing group of women. Thanks for shining a light on them Jess.
Great work you are doing, but this appears to be female artists around Lagos. An excursion to other parts of Nigeria will surprise you on the wholesome number of female artists.
Thanks Prof. Ochigbo.
You are right. There are wonderful people all over the country, not only in Lagos!!!!
As I mentioned in the post, intentionally, I did not include any artist in this list. I am working on a post devoted exclusively to artists and another one to collectors.
Jess
Sir, how many of those women outside Lagos are influencing the direction of arts in terms of writing and promotion.Kudos to Talatu Adiwu, she is an an exceptional lady.
awesome contributions from them