A Survey of Contemporary Sculptural Practice and Material Innovation Among Artists in Benin City, Edo State

Contemporary sculpture in the South South zone of Nigeria is shaped by the intersection of indigenous bronze-casting traditions, institutional art education legacies, and the influence of global contemporary art discourse, and documenting active sculptural practice in Benin City provides important baseline data for arts policy and education. This study surveyed contemporary sculptural practice and material innovation among professional and emerging sculptors in Benin City, Edo State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with structured questionnaires and studio visits conducted with 35 active sculptors recruited through the Society of Nigerian Artists Edo State chapter and the University of Benin Department of Fine and Applied Arts. Interview data were supplemented by photographic documentation of studio works and a catalogue of materials used. Results showed that bronze casting remains the most prestigious sculptural medium (cited by 68.6 percent), but aluminium welding, found-object assemblage, and fibre cement are increasingly used for their cost advantages. Only 22.9 percent of sculptors had received formal commissions from public institutions in the preceding two years, indicating limited institutional support. Digital fabrication tools were used by 11.4 percent of respondents, signalling emerging interest in new technology. Female sculptors represented only 14.3 percent of the sample, highlighting persistent gender exclusion. The study recommends public art commissioning programmes, material subsidy initiatives, and gender-inclusive studio scholarship opportunities to strengthen contemporary sculptural practice in Edo State.

Keywords: contemporary sculpture, material innovation, Benin City, Edo State, studio practice