NATURAL SYNTHESIS AND DECOLONIZATION: A STUDY OF INDIGENOUS AESTHETICS IN THE WORKS OF THE ZARIA REBELS EXHIBITED IN THE NUCLEUS CATALOGUE

Abstract

This paper investigates the concept of "natural synthesis" within the works of the Zaria Rebels, a group of pioneering Nigerian artists who sought to blend indigenous aesthetics with modernist art practices. Focusing on the artworks featured in The Nucleus catalogue, the study explores how the Zaria Rebels utilized this synthesis to challenge colonial narratives and assert a decolonized African identity. The exhibition is analyzed as a critical moment in the decolonization of African art, where traditional African motifs and techniques were intentionally merged with contemporary forms to create a unique visual language that resonated with the post-colonial zeitgeist. By examining the thematic and stylistic choices presented in the catalogue, this paper highlights the Rebels' contributions to the broader discourse on cultural reclamation and the redefinition of African art. The study ultimately underscores the importance of The Nucleus catalogue as a historical document that encapsulates the intersection of artistic innovation and the decolonization movement in mid-20th century Nigeria.