Demas Nwoko awarded Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at Venice Architecture Biennale
On May 20 at Ca' Giustinian, Demas Nwoko, an architect, designer, and artist from Nigeria, will be honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale of Architecture. Nwoko, who was born in 1935 in Idumuje-Ugboko, plays a significant role in Nigeria's Modern Art movement. In 1958, he helped establish the Zaria Art Society alongside Yusuf Grillo, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Uche Okeke, and Simon Okeke, which sought to reform traditional educational approaches. His architectural work focuses on sustainability and local materials, with prominent projects like the Dominican Institute and the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre. Curator Lesley Lokko commended Nwoko's innovative contributions to sustainable and culturally relevant art.
Key facts
- Demas Nwoko wins Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at Venice Biennale of Architecture
- Award ceremony on May 20 at Ca' Giustinian, Venice
- Nwoko born in 1935 in Idumuje-Ugboko, southern Nigeria
- Co-founded Zaria Art Society in 1958 with Yusuf Grillo, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Uche Okeke, Simon Okeke
- Group known as 'Zaria Rebels' promoted 'natural synthesis' of indigenous and Western aesthetics
- Nwoko's architecture emphasizes environmental mindfulness and use of local resources
- Key designs include Dominican Institute, New Culture Studio in Ibadan, Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre in Benin City
- Curator Lesley Lokko praised Nwoko as a forerunner of sustainable, culturally authentic expression
Entities
Artists
- Demas Nwoko
- Yusuf Grillo
- Bruce Onobrakpeya
- Uche Okeke
- Simon Okeke
- Lesley Lokko
Institutions
- Venice Biennale of Architecture
- Zaria Art Society
- Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Dominican Institute
- New Culture Studio
- Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Idumuje-Ugboko
- Nigeria
- Ibadan
- Benin City