Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art Presents 2nd Collecting Now Exhibition
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University is delighted to announce the unveiling of the second edition of its acclaimed exhibition, Collecting Now. Opening to the public on October 11, 2025, the exhibition features 90 outstanding artworks on loan from six renowned Nigerian collectors — Olufemi Akinsanya, Ifeyinwa Momah, Tayo Odunsi, Nonso Okpala, Bimpe Nkontchou, and Yemi Ogunbiyi. This new edition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience an impressive range of traditional, modern, and contemporary Nigerian art typically held in private collections.
Following the success of the 2024 inaugural edition, Collecting Now has evolved into a vital platform that celebrates the art of collecting and its role in nurturing Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries. Showcasing paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed-media pieces, the exhibition explores how individual passion for art contributes to collective cultural memory. This year’s edition is particularly significant for highlighting the contributions of two women collectors, whose unique perspectives demonstrate the transformative and advocacy-driven nature of collecting.
“The Collecting Now series underscores YSMA’s mission to bridge private creativity and public engagement,” remarked Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. “Beyond presenting extraordinary works, we are fostering meaningful dialogue about collecting as a cultural act — one that preserves legacy, enriches the art ecosystem, and connects Nigeria’s artistic heritage with generations to come.”
Reflecting on her role in the exhibition, featured collector Ifeyinwa Momah stated:
“Art is part of my daily life — it shapes my spaces, my memories, and how I see the world. This exhibition allows those private connections to become public, encouraging dialogue that reinforces the value of art in everyday living. I’m honoured to share this journey with other collectors through YSMA’s remarkable platform.”
The initiative is supported by Ark Insurance Brokers, which continues as the exhibition’s insurance sponsor for the second consecutive year. Their renewed involvement reflects their ongoing dedication to protecting and promoting Nigeria’s creative heritage.
“Our collaboration with YSMA for Collecting Now expresses our belief that Nigerian art is a national treasure deserving of world-class protection,” said Kayode Awogboro, Managing Director of Ark Insurance Group. “As an organization deeply rooted in the insurance industry, we take pride in safeguarding artworks of profound cultural importance while reaffirming our long-term commitment to the arts.”
Through this exhibition, YSMA reinforces its leadership in advancing art scholarship, expanding public engagement, and celebrating Nigerian collectors as custodians of history and heritage. The public is invited to experience Collecting Now II from October 11, 2025, to February 9, 2026, at the Olori Funmilayo Shyllon Exhibition Gallery, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University.
About the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Recognized by Apollo Magazine as the “Museum Opening of the Year” (2020) and described as “the pinnacle of a collector’s dream to preserve art,” the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) stands as Nigeria’s foremost art institution. Dedicated to education, preservation, and cultural impact, YSMA showcases centuries of Nigerian artistic excellence through its vast collection, exhibitions, and public programs that enrich the nation’s creative landscape. For more information about YSMA and its initiatives, visit www.museum.pau.edu.ng
