Nigeria’s artistic heritage must be preserved for future generations — Karo Ugbine

By Nnasom David

Nigerian visual artist Karo Reuben Ugbine has called for greater efforts to preserve the country’s artistic heritage, saying the legacy of past generations must be protected for the benefit of future artists and society.

Ugbine, the only son of the late sculptor Reuben Ugbine, said preserving artistic heritage goes beyond safeguarding artworks and includes documenting the stories, values and philosophies behind them.

“Nigeria’s artistic heritage must be preserved for future generations,” he said, adding that younger artists should understand and appreciate the contributions of pioneers who shaped the country’s creative industry.

He said his work as a contemporary artist is driven by a commitment to honour his father’s legacy while developing his own artistic identity through painting, visual storytelling, documentation and cultural engagement.

According to him, preserving cultural heritage requires sustained efforts to ensure that the works and ideas of previous generations remain relevant and accessible.

Ugbine noted that balancing the responsibility of preserving a family legacy with pursuing an independent creative career is a challenge faced by many artists from established artistic families across Africa.

He added that documenting the lives and works of influential artists would help strengthen Nigeria’s cultural identity and inspire emerging talents.

His remarks come amid growing conversations about the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the need to promote indigenous art as part of the country’s creative economy.