Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) on 10th June 2015, received a number of donations from Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon towards the development of a Museum of Nigerian Art. Prince Yemisi Shyllon, who is widely regarded to own one of the most important collections of modern African Art, has donated 1,000 of the best artworks in his collection as well as two hundred photographs depicting Nigeria’s people and cultures to the University.
Speaking at a ceremony to formalise the donation, Prince Yemisi Shyllon explained that the collection includes traditional art, modern paintings and scuptures and photographs of Nigeria’s fast disappearing cultural festivals. The modern paintings include works by such notable artists as Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, Yussuf Grillo, El Anatsui, Simon Okeke, Uche Okeke, Okaybulu, Akinola Lashekan and Bruce Onabrakpeya, among many others. The contemporary paintings include works by Disoye Tantua, Segun Aiyesan, Kelani Abass etc. Sculptural pieces produced by Adeola Balogun, Ben Enwonwu, Oladapo Afolayan, Isiaka Osunde, Okpu Eze etc. The photographs of Nigeria’s cultural festivals are predominantly produced by Ariyo Oguntimehin.