Kutukutu Owuro: Journeys With Tola Wewe

"Kùtù-kùtù Òwúrọ̀: Journeys with Tola Wewe”, is a well-written exposition of the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of Tola Wewe’s art, taking us through many of Tola Wewe’s works, x-raying their aesthetic appeal and the meaning they convey, in a manner that attracts the reader to those works.His works, in the form of paintings and terracotta, reviewed in the book, cover a broad spectrum of the religious and aesthetic aspects of African culture, reflecting Wewe’s mastery of his art, his creative genius, his innovativeness and his deep knowledge of the African world-view. They are further strengthened by his understanding of Ifa, which adds to the esoteric nature of his paintings and the clarity of thought that goes into them.In a very moving prose, the author takes the reader through African history, especially the continent’s encounter with colonialism and its aftermath.Tola Wewe’s works are situated within the context of a continent that has been shortchanged in the encounter with foreigners, and they advocate for a return to Africa’s cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems and the ways of our ancestors as the path to the liberation of the continent and its people from physical and mental slavery.Wewe’s works have taken him through Africa and beyond. Without mincing words, he is today regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost artists.The formation of the Ona Art movement by Wewe and his artist friends, represents a defining moment in Tola Wewe’s Journey through the world of the visual arts. It was a moment of re-discovery of the different streams of knowledge that abound in the African world and world-view. It was a call for Africans to rediscover themselves and jettison the prejudiced notion of African history and culture implanted in the minds of the African educated elite.The Ona art movement opened a new chapter in African art, a chapter that recalls the African heritage and its richness.This book presents a powerful collection of Tola Wewe’s works, in their artistic splendour and meaning. It is a must-read for art enthusiasts, students, scholars and all lovers of authentic African history.Prof. Tunde BabawaleFormer Director-General,Centre for Black & African Arts & Civilization (CBAAC) Read more