Benin students create new artwork

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By Formal Learning Team
Anthropology Young people
We’re excited to be working on a partnership with the Museum of West African Art and University Preparatory Secondary School in Benin City, to create brand new artworks to be displayed at the Museum.

Along with the Horniman Learning Team, these artworks have been created in partnership with local artist 12th The Creator.

The workshops

Students were given the challenge of designing a backdrop for the new Benin Kingdom display in the Horniman World Gallery.

Boy in school uniform does a painting on an easel
The artworks were created with local artist 12th The Creator
Two teenage school children sit behind easels and look at a teacher slightly off camera
Students designed the backdrop for a new display in the World Gallery

The aim was reflect the past, present and future of Benin city, its people, art and culture, using young contemporary voices.

Benin City is home to a lot of people who inspire me to be more creative, e.g. singers…producers… rappers…
Student

15 students participated in creative workshops led by 12th The Creator, The Museum of West African Art, school staff and virtual sessions delivered by the Horniman.

The workshops explored themes of identity, representation, art and expression in relation to Benin City and its culture.

12th The Creator led sessions with the students, talking about Edo art tradition and practising their sketching, colour mixing and painting skills.

Students with easels are gathered in a circle around a teacher holding a folder of paper
The workshops explored themes of identity, representation, art and expression
A man paints a face on a piece of paper pinned to the corner of a whiteboard
12th The Creator led sessions with the students
Our art tells us a story of unique past and it’s a form of heritage presentation for the younger generation.
Student

The artwork

As a result of the workshops, students created a collection of illustrations. These were then digitally assembled by 12th The Creator into one design.

12th introduced a layered, red background to represent traditional Benin architecture made from layered red clay which is found in the region.

Benin City has a way of getting you in a unique artistic mood.
Student

This design will feature as the backdrop for the Horniman’s Benin Kingdom display, which has been co-produced with Nigerian and Nigerian diaspora creatives.

The display will open in December 2024.

University Preparatory Secondary School will celebrate the reveal of the new display at an event with family, friends and the wider community.

Museum of West African Art

The Museum of West African Art aims to deepen links between contemporary arts, culture and West African heritage. The institute works towards improving education, research and exhibition opportunities for West African Art and Archaeology.

12th The Creator

12th The Creator is a Nigerian artist and fashion designer taking pride in his Edo roots. His creations are a fusion of African heritage rich in symbols, intricate patterns and vivid colours.

A man stands with one hand in his pocket in front of a row of children's artworks
A child holds up a drawing in front of rows of children's artworks
A girl holds up and looks at a self portrait she has painted