On July 21, 2025, in celebration of Belgian National Day, the highly anticipated exhibition Old Masters by Future Masters was unveiled at a glittering vernissage attended by distinguished guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, international art collectors, cultural leaders, press, and art professionals.
Hosted in collaboration by the Belgian Embassy in Nigeria, the Legacy Arts Foundation (LAF), the Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), and Eyes of a Lagos Boy, the event celebrated the culmination of a transformative two-week masterclass that brought together twenty emerging Nigerian painters and renowned instructors—Professor Wouter Steel of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo of the University of Lagos.
The exhibition represents more than a technical accomplishment in Flemish painting traditions. It marks the emergence of a bold new artistic language—one that uses classical methods not to imitate, but to reinterpret and reclaim. Through portraiture and composition rooted in 15th–17th century European technique, these young artists have asserted contemporary Black presence, identity, and dignity with powerful modern voices.
The project was first conceived as a cross-cultural platform for technical exchange, but quickly grew into something more: a model of equitable collaboration, artistic empowerment, and cultural diplomacy. The presence of numerous collectors and the strong sales of several works on opening night confirmed the market’s and the public’s readiness to embrace this powerful fusion of past and future, Europe and Africa.
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H.E. the Ambassador of Belgium in Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, highlighted the significance of this effort as a symbol of positive, contemporary partnership between Belgium and Nigeria—driven by shared respect, vision, and creativity. The Legacy Arts Foundation and its partners expressed their deep appreciation for his role in initiating and championing this initiative.
“This is only the beginning,” said Niyi Adenubi, Founder of LAF. “We are committed to building lasting platforms that equip African artists with the tools, networks, and recognition they deserve—at home and on the global stage.” Osahon Okunbo, Founder of the Osahon Okunbo Foundation, emphasized the importance of access and intention:
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Our mission is to bridge that gap—by backing creativity with structure, mentorship, and belief. What we saw in this exhibition is proof that when African artists are given the tools and support, they don’t just meet global standards—they redefine them.”
“This is not mimicry, nor is it the repetition of colonial tropes,” said Bolaji Alonge, co-curator. “It’s a new cultural globalization—where traditions are shared respectfully, where identity is affirmed, and where African artists lead the narrative.” Wouter Steel added “The result is a vibrant fusion of style, color, and narrative: a new aesthetic that bridges Northern Renaissance craftsmanship with the dynamic, expressive voices of a new generation of Nigerian painters. This project is not only a celebration of tradition but a bold step toward a shared artistic future.”
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