RESONANCE Journal of Contemporary Scholarship

SPECIAL FEATURE: LATE KANGE RAYMOND KAHNGE

Ogola Lois Kahnge , Blaise Gundu Gbaden, PhD — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:58:20 +0000

Shortly after graduating from the Nigerian Police Academy in Kaduna in 1959, and eventually getting enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), as it was then referred to, a call of duty took Mr. James Yuwa Kange to Gboko, a part of the then Tiv Native Authority. He would go on to serve as an undercover agent in the 'Tiv Riots of 1963', one of many political crises that engulfed Nigeria at the time. It was while on active duty that his 'sharp and active' eyes beheld a beautiful damsel. In April 1966, Mbayiman Rachel Tolough, having completed her year seven (7) the previous year, got married to James Yuwa Kange. The young couple were blessed with their first child the following year.

THE ONION (Allium cepa) BULB FORM AS A CREATIVE RESOURCE FOR PAINTING EXPRESSION

Joshua AondonaAvav, Gbenga Festus Akomolafe — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:59:47 +0000

This paper focuses on the onion bulb (Allium cepa) form as a creative resource for visual and contemporary artists across the globe. The onion is an edible bulb used as vegetable with a rounded edible bulb with hard pungent flesh in concentric layers beneath a flaky brown skin eaten raw or cooked. Onions are used widely for cooking. They add flavour to such dishes as stews, roasts, soups, and salads, and are also served as a cooked vegetable. The onion's characteristic pungency results from the sulfur-rich volatile oil it contains. Release of this oil during peeling brings tears to the eyes, but many cooks claim that tears can be avoided by peeling onions under running water. Over the past years, visual artists have in one way or the other experimented in painting with different themes like landscape, seascape, nature, man-made objects and animals and plants and crops to mention only but a few. Onions as a plant to some artists have been a source of expression in painting. These paintings have shown the creative ability of creative artists to explore the different types of onion forms and colours as portrayed in their paintings. It has also exposed the aesthetic beauty of the onion through painting with the qualities imbedded in it. The onions have now become increasingly a scare and very expensive commodity in our society Nigeria at this present dispensation (September 2020). This paper presents the onion for artistic expression and at the same time advocate that they also look at other types and forms of vegetables like garlic, Okro, cucumber, dates among others as creative resources for painting expression.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF RED SLIP CLAY FROM DOGO BENUE STATE FOR THE DECORATION OF CERAMIC WARES

G. N. Aernyi, A. M. Ahuwan , C. V. Alkali — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:01:05 +0000

The need for the exploration of new alternative sources of ceramic glaze materials by modern ceramic studios and industries led to the investigation of local red clay obtained from Dogo community in Benue State for use as ceramic colourant. The sample of this clay material was collected, and the chemical constituents were scientifically analyzed through (XRF) Spectrophotometer with iron oxide (Fe 0 ) having the highest percentage 2 5 of 39.70% and insignificant amount of Lead Oxide (PbO) 0.58%. The aim of the research was to use Dogo red slip as an alternative under-glaze colourant to dull and undefined colouration of Nigeria indigenous ceramic products, which is also hoped to address the challenge in the high cost of imported ceramic glaze materials. This material been a natural clay material, it can be used to function as glaze colourant without necessary further processing beyond washing and sieving. Result from the chemical analysis of the material, and the studio research on various bodies of earthenware, stoneware and porcelain indicated that, application of Dogo red clay slip was most suitable on raw white earthenware body at 900ᵒC-1000ᵒC in an oxidized atmosphere. The slip also adhered to stoneware although indicating a purplish-grey colour but poor adherence on porcelain body. The property tests of the clay material on water absorption, shrinkage, fusibility and colour show that the clay material is suitable on low-fire temperature clay bodies to retain its bright colour. This result enables utilization of Dogo red clay slip in a conventional approach as a viable new alternative low temperature ceramic colourant. In view of the result therefore, the red slip was applied on raw wares before biscuit firing, and gloss fired with low temperature transparent glaze. This result provides convincing evidence that utilizing Dogo clay slip in a conventional approach has been viable as low temperature ceramic colourant. Thus, the research recommends for further exploration into Nigeria's indigenous raw materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal and marketability of its pottery products for economic growth.

THE DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION OF EDUCATIONAL TOYS AND GAMES FOR ENHANCING TEACHING OF ENGLISH ALPHABETS IN THE NURSERY SCHOOL LEVEL IN NIGERIA

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:02:35 +0000

Nursery Education is the initial stage of organised instruction designed primarily to introduce very young children to a school-type environment, that is, to provide a bridge between home and a school-based atmosphere. Being the first level of education and the foundation to all the other levels of education in Nigeria, it is very dynamic considering its sensitive nature. Teaching at this level comes with its own unique challenges. Take for instance, stimulating and retaining the pupils' active attention in the class while teaching them has to be strategically done for effective teaching and learning to take place. Therefore, in the realization of the teaching objectives in the teaching of children at this tender age, educational toys and games should always be reckoned with and its constant usage for classroom teaching should be given more attention for smooth delivery of the contents of the lesson. More importantly, the children should be well exposed to the letters of the English Alphabet through the use of appropriate Educational toys and games. This paper discusses the role of educational toys and games in the teaching and learning of the letters of the English Alphabet, origin of Nursery Education, meaning of Nursery Education, teaching and learning, Educational toys and games and examples of educational toys and game

AFRICAN ART AND SYMBOLISM, TRADITIONS AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

Christopher F. Ibrahim, Adinoyi B. James , Ubam S. Ibrahim — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:03:46 +0000

African Tradition is expressed through many different art forms, such as creative arts, music, dance, sculpture and beadwork. Oral tradition is very important in African culture, as it insures the passage of cultural practices from one generation to another. These traditions are deeply ingrained into the whole African culture. Music is a form of communication and it plays a functional role in African society. Songs accompany marriage, birth, rites of passage, hunting and even political activities. Music is often used in different African cultures to ward off evil spirits and to pay respects to good spirits, the dead and ancestors. The African masks that are used in dances have religious, ceremonial and functional origins. The artist who carves the mask will ceremonially purify himself and offer prayers to his ancestors for guidance before he begins the actual carving of the mask.

DIVERSIFYING NIGERIA'S ECONOMY THROUGH VISUAL ARTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Aliyu Mohammed Bisalla, Maxwell E. Robert, Josephine Dung Chumo — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:04:56 +0000

The idea of economic diversification is now a national issue, no serious-minded economic policy formulators and administrators of modern times can afford to undermine visual art education, in-house economic structure (micro –economy), the arts and the needs for agricultural produce, art and crafts have sustained the Nigeria economy in the past before the advent of oil and gas exploration in Nigeria. Nigeria economy still depend largely on oil and gas sector, but the current administration in its effort to rebrand the economy is trying to shift base to other sectors of the economy. In conformity, series of results of researches have been published, economic submits have been conducted in order to call to attention public and private (business) sector in the economy, professional groups, individuals, academics, economists, researchers, journalists alike, the need for modification of the establishment of the other sectors to revive the whole system in conformity with the needed economic development. This paper is therefore intended to discuss with detail definition and clarification of few vital concepts. Analyze the importance of visual arts and its role in economic development. Conclusively, the paper is of the view that Nigeria has economic human resources, endowed artistic manpower; what the country needs is sustainable and reliable educational programs and the strengthening of the visual art education both the institutional and its practice

A REVIEW OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF TWO CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART HEROES

Samuel Bamidele Obadofin, Peter Adewole Adeyemo — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:06:23 +0000

The contemporary art and artists of Africa is a period that has been taken from a particular point as a result of positive changes that have occurred. In Nigeria and Africa in general, this period emerged from the point where contact with the western word was established, that is, a break from traditional time. This period did not totally jettison traditional ideas. Various aspects of traditional ideas are fused together with the present ones to make it contemporary art. This paper recognizes and appreciates two artists of this period. The paper also paid attention to their background, art training as well as general contribution to art.

THE TEACHING OF VISUAL ART IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: CHALLENGES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Jacob Tse Viashima — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:07:37 +0000

The challenges faced while teaching of visual art in secondary schools is what this paper meant to examine. The paper highlighted some of these challenges and suggestions for solving them proffered. It also emphasizes the need for art to be adequately taught in schools to prepare the citizenry for the needed national development. The stand of the piece is that, art production and appreciation contribute towards the development of all nations, just as much as science and technology.

A REVIEW OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF LAFIA CAMPUS ART GALLERY

Grace Gambo — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:08:51 +0000

This paper presents the enormous roles that university art galleries play, not only in academic context but in a broader civic and artistic term. It also discusses how University art galleries will make the work of art as products of human inspiration an integral part of campus life and the community at large. Hence, the author looks at the essential roles of most art galleries which are to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret objects of historical significance. The paper also suggests ways the art gallery can attract students and audience for the enjoyment and education of people in the society as well as future generation. The paper is of the opinion that, this will serve the purpose of knowledge building for generation to come and as a way of enhancing art appreciation especially as it regards the role of the institution art gallery.

“ECO-DRIFT”: THE RECONSTRUCTION OF SECONDHAND CLOTHING

Bello Zainab — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:10:06 +0000

Secondhand clothing is perceived as condemned garments and materials, needless to mention that, they have become a stylistic fashion especially foreign secondhand materials among the people in Nigeria. As Libo (2019) puts it, Secondhand clothing can increase the life of textiles, through the process of reconstruction of such garments and material, which is referred to as secondary fabric treatment. The researcher re-define diverse garments, adopts secondary fabric design, and re-transforms secondhand apparel from the standpoint of upcycling design through studio methodology approach. Redesign necessitates limiting the negative effects while focusing on the beneficial contributions it may make to society. It frequently challenges the original form's rearrangement, modifies a single fabric style, exhibits new effects, and performs more distinct definitions. This paper features transformation of secondhand clothing into more environmentally friendly versions, not only to be inventive but also to protect the environment. The reconstruction secondhand clothing is an important way to combine sustainability, creativity, and social responsibility. Upcycling offers a practical way forward as the fashion industry continues to struggle with its environmental impact, enabling people and communities to make a positive impact on a more ethical and sustainable future.

INCORPORATING ART AS THERAPY FOR REFUGEE

Sorunke Olaseni Taiwo, Chinyere Ndubuisi — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:11:27 +0000

The contemporary landscape of asylum seekers reflects a poignant narrative of individuals fleeing their countries of origin due to imminent danger and socio-political turmoil, often stemming from persecution based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, nationality, social affiliations, or political beliefs. Consequently, these displaced individuals find themselves outside the protective confines of their homeland, navigating a labyrinth of uncertainty and anxiety that impedes their ability to seek refuge or contemplate a return. Many asylum seekers find themselves relegated to camps, where the shadows of doubt loom large, exacerbating their traumatic experiences and precipitating a decline in confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being over time. Amidst this backdrop, the therapeutic potential of art and craft participation emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a pathway towards healing and redemption. This paper undertakes a review of existing literature on creative practices and art treatments tailored for refugees, with a particular focus on elucidating the multifaceted role of the arts in addressing migration-related challenges. Through a meticulous survey of arts-based studies, this research endeavors to deepen our understanding of how artistic interventions can ameliorate the psychological toll experienced by traumatized immigrants and asylum seekers across diverse geographical contexts. By synthesizing empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this study aims to shed light on the transformative power of art therapy in fostering resilience, promoting self-expression, and nurturing a sense of agency and belonging among displaced populations

SIMULATION AND APPROPRIATION OF SHOEPRINTS AS AESTHETIC IMPRESSIONS IN PAINTING

Abednego Abafras. G, Nadama Mustapha G. — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:13:35 +0000

Shoeprints are abundant impressions found in our surroundings as people wear shoes and trek about. They are the marks created by the soles of shoes on surfaces. These impressions are aesthetic in their shapes and patterns but appear not to have been given serious attention by Nigerian painters. This article, therefore, examines the relevance of these seemingly ordinary environmental impressions, and their aesthetic and conceptual nature within the realm of art. The abundance of these environmental impressions (shoeprints) within the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria main campus stimulated interest in the theme, thereby compelling exploration of the subject matter through simulation of the prints (impressions) in painting. The objectives of the study were clearly stated, and the methodology was qualitative. The study identified that not many Nigerian painters have paid scholarly attention to these environmental impressions as art; the study can raise awareness about the intricate shapes and patterns as fundamental elements and principles of design; the fleeting aesthetics of the ephemeral shoeprints could be captured in painting for closer study and appreciation; conceptual art encourages the use of any object as art; the study encourages innovation and improvisation in painting among others.

ANALYSING A BURNT SITE IN PAINTING AS A METAPHOR FOR REBIRTH AND RESILIENCE

Dankyes Ephraim — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:15:01 +0000

The imagery of a burnt site signifies destruction and loss, but it also presents an opportunity for transformation and renewal. The burnt soil is essentially heavy and sticky clay that has been heat-treated to change its structural properties. It is often combined with compost which forms the organic, water-retentive component of the growing mix. A growing mix made up of one part of burnt soil and one part of compost is ideal for growing plant. A burnt place provides one with a sense of destruction, disaster, loss, and, a place of an overwhelming black, subdual and th societal 'extinction'. Jos main market got burnt on 12 February, 2002. The main market prided itself as the largest indoor market in West Africa. A twin bomb blast of May 20, 2014 further rocked the market vicinity, killing hundreds of people, while parts of the market were also razed in November, 2016. It was the economic centre of the state. 'In the aftermath of chaos, amidst the ruins and remnants, there stands a haunting symbol of resilience and destruction of the fallen walls of the Jos burnt market,' (Dankyes, 2024). Like a wounded warrior clawing against the ravages of time, these scorched remnants bear witness to the fragility of human endeavours, while whispering tales of loss, despair, and the potential for rebirth. There is also psychological impact of witnessing the destruction of a familiar and essential space such as the Jos main market. A viewer can emotionally connect with the artworks that portray the feelings of loss, desolation and hope in them. The burnt site of the market presents a disaster that has befallen the market, and has decapitated all existing glory and beauty that the market had. The burnt market now represents the destruction caused by the fire. The fallen walls in a deeper interrogation, symbolize the crumbling of structures and the breaking down of established systems. This metaphorically represents the loss of livelihood, community and stability of the economy

COLOUR AND AESTHETICS: AN APPRECIATION OF COLOURED BIRDS IN PAINTING

Avav, Joshua Aondona, Anthony, Suzan Dingba, Amali, Ibrahim Ichakpa — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:16:19 +0000

This paper has focused on the appreciation of colours found in birds as they seek to inspire visual artists in painting with their beautiful outlooks of colours and patterns. Birds also known as Aves according to Grill (2014) are a group of endothermic vertebrates characterized by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart and a strong yet high-weight skeleton. They live worldwide and range in various types and different sizes. Storer (2014) states that colours found among birds are caused by pigments and structure. Colour according to Ocvirk, Stinson et 'al (2006) is the most universally appreciated element that appeals to children and adults instantly. Aesthetics according to Scruton (2014) is the philosophical study of beauty and taste. It is closely related to the philosophy of art, which is concerned with the nature of art and the concepts by which individual works of art are interpreted and evaluated. Colour is one of the most expressive elements because it affects our emotions directly. In recent times artists across the globe comprising European and African Contemporary Nigerian artists have been inspired by birds as their subject matter with much aesthetic beauty found among these wonderful creatures. The paper has also reviewed some of the most beautiful birds across the globe and reviewed paintings of colourful birds by some European and Nigerian Contemporary Artists.

Simplism and Pluralism: The Dynamics and Evolution of Art Practice in Nsukka School

Trevor Morgan — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:17:34 +0000

This paper problematizes and examines the nature and critical evolution of art practice at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This study is premised on the art school's prominence, promoted over the years by its notable greats, and its cultural position in Africa. I have articulated and theorised the dynamics of art practice in 'Nsukka' within two key visual methodologies: 'simplism' and 'pluralism.' These philosophies function within the framework of Uche Okeke's postmodernist manifesto, 'Natural Synthesis.' I position this study socio-historically, drawing from archival materials, including texts and images of art produced by Nsukka artists. This study will help underpin various emergent pedagogical practices that define art in Africa and beyond

RECYCLING OF GLASS INTO PIGMENTED MATERIAL FOR ARTS APPLICATION

Andrew Ojonugwa Adejo, Babarinde Oluwaleke Samuel — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:18:59 +0000

Sample of waste post-consumer glass was collected from dump sites and pretreated, it was pulverized into granules using hammer mill, beneficiated and heat treated at 100°C for 1 hour. The granules where characterize using sieve analysis. Batch design for aggregate colouration was composed, they were processed into primary colour and shades of black using the mass colouration techniques and dried in an oven at 30°C for 2 hours. Result of the study were discussed as follows; beneficiation established that flint is the most common waste glass readily available as it accounts for 50% of glass waste, sieve analysis show that particle characterization is possible medium size (55%) aggregate of 0.6-1.18mm is readily available and treatment with colorants established that coloration of waste glass is possible and that brilliant colouration is possible with flint waste glasses. In conclusion, just like other forms of materials used for are production, processed post-consumer glass can double as substrate and pigments for cold glass design such as mosaic or other forms of glass art rendition that does not requires high temperatures.

CREATIVE ARTS EDUCATION

Austin Adolf Fischer, Oyom Archibong Inameti — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:21:16 +0000

Creative arts education is highly considered as the backbone of any meaningful educational and technological development in the world over. The exponential growth of technology offers an equally increasing set of opportunities and challenges for learning and teaching. Understanding of technology in this context of creative arts education for institutions in the developing society as Nigeria, provide further opportunities for staff and students to develop their creative capabilities and wellbeing. Fostering creativity is fundamentally important because creativity brings with it the ability to question, make connections, innovate, solve problems, communicate, collaborate and to reflect critically. These are all skills demanded by contemporary employers and will be vital for young people to play their part in a rapidly changing world. This paper highlights the recent advancement of creative arts education in our schools today

PROLIFERATION OF RELIGIOUS SECTS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR CRIMES AGAINST RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Gabriel Terwase Ngbea — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:22:25 +0000

The Nigeria citizens going by constitutional provisions are free to practice any religion of their choice, for this reason, the Nigerian government has no regulation of any form on establishment of religious sects and how these religions practice their faiths. Nigeria has a reputation of being the most religious nation in the world, the Proliferation of Religious sects in Nigeria is to a large extent violating the freedom of worship of individuals in Nigeria. Religious associated crimes as fast becoming a common feature of the Nigerian society. This paper is an attempt to x-ray crime against religious freedom as a result of proliferation of religious sects in Nigeria, the findings shows that the so called preachers of different regions apart from wining souls also indulge themselves in moral and unethical practices. The methodology adopted are both primary and secondary sources of data collection and the analysis done qualitatively. The research amongst others recommend that, religious bodies in Nigeria should be registered by relevant religious bodies and not cooperate affairs commission in order to help reduce proliferation of religious sects and to separate the authentic religious bodies from fake ones and to checkmate the growing cases of religious crimes in the country.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY CERAMIC PRODUCTIONS: A GENERAL PROBLEM IN BISC AND GLAZE FIRING

Rakiya Mohammed Sani — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:23:37 +0000

Pollution is generally an inconvenience in the society. It can occur as a result of unpleasant sound, smells, scents or smokes. There are so many other ways that pollutions can occur amongst them are pollutions from the process of ceramics production. This happened when ceramics wares are been made and when they had to pass through series of firing processes. This paper revealed how air pollution takes place in the course of firing ceramics wares. It also revealed that thick black smokes from the kiln are amongst the major sources of environmental pollution in the ceramics production processes. It also concludes that except firing using electric kiln, any other means have a diverse effect on the environment. The paper recommends amongst others that the firing of ceramics wares should be done far away from populated areas and with a higher chimney

ENGAGING AN EPHEMERAL OBJECT LIKE SHADOW AS A PHILOSOPHICAL SUBJECT IN MODERN PAINTING

Emmanuel Ikemefula Irokanulo — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:24:46 +0000

This paper was inspired by Paul Gauguin's theory on the inclusion of shadow in a painting. He occupies a prominent place within the history of painting and particularly in the history of Fauvism and Symbolism. The shadows in painting as an element of design, before this assertion and even after, had remained (and still do) appendages to figures and objects in paintings. Is it possible to separate the shadow from its subject material existence in paintings and create a total new concept of the shadow away from the previous idea for the aesthetic purpose in paintings? The aim of this paper is to advocate for the creation of paintings through the observation of images derived from the shadows and also, employing the thinking of Paul Gauguin and the phenomenological theories in the nineteenth-century philosophy ideas. Shadows were reconstructed in painting as independent images and not as appendages to any phenomenal object. The study was delimited to only human shadows; human form being one of the widest and attractive subjects in the history of art. The study established that the pr ices of painting and kno ledge were inepar bl act w s a e, that, in fact, painting is a tactile knowledge. When studied it does reveal theories ordinarily hidden for common and untrained eyes. Pai ting is a visual narrative n th t could c f a be read through areul contemplation. As Chirico states in Miller (2006), there are more enigmas in the shadow of a man who walks in the sun than in all the religions of the past, present and future.