Peju Layiwola

Peju Layiwola (born 29 September 1967) is an art Historian and visual artist from Nigeria who works in a variety of media and genre. She is listed as a "21st Century Avant-Garde" in the book Art Cities of the Future published by Phaidon Press. She is currently a Professor of Art and Art history at the University of Lagos and has been described as a "multitalented artist." Her works can be found in the collection of Microsoft Lagos, Yemisi Shyllon Museum, Pan Atlantic, Lagos and homes of private collectors such as JP and Ebun Clark and the Obi of Onitsha.

Quotes

• There are several challenges facing education generally in Nigeria. There has been a steady decline in standards in the visual arts, as in other disciplines. Today, there are very poor facilities for teaching art in almost all art schools in Nigeria.
  • [1] Speaking on the challenges facing the art school today.

• First of all, it is one thing to identify a problem. Secondly, it is another to have the power to effect those changes. Poor funding of universities is a key problem. It also seems to me that there is an unspoken practice of privileging the sciences over the humanities.
  • [2] Speaking on solution to tackle the challenges facing the art school today.

• If education should be salvaged in this country we cannot leave it to the government alone. There has to be an inclusion of the private sector.
  • [3] Speaking on ways the full potential of the art school be felt in the University.

• Funding is a major issue for every artist; people want to watch a good play; people want to get entertained and they don’t want to pay for it.
  • [4] Speaking on the major challenge for entertainers in the entertainment industry in the country.

• Government has to give grant and also individuals have to do that as well, so that the art industry grows because there are so many talented people in this country and I think they need to be encouraged.
  • [5] Speaking on the solutions for entertainers in the entertainment industry in the country.

• People producing arts, all along the roads, on the streets; everywhere and you begin to know that this is a city of Art.
  • [6] Speaking on Benin city being a city of Art.

• Indigo Reimagined highlights the multidimensionality of dyeing fabrics whilst simultaneously providing us with a window into the beauty and functions of other indigenous crafts like pottery and metal work associated with dyeing.
  • Speaking at an exhibition of textile installation Titled, Indigo Reimagined.