Creative Professionalism and Didactic Functionalism: Sculpture Gardens of Selected Tertiary Art Institutions in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study sees sculpture garden as an important phenomenon in the history and development of artistic creation not only in Southeastern Nigeria but also in the entire country. Sculpture gardens are also considered as places devoted to the display of sculptural works created in different media; ranging from stone, metal, fibre, cement or found objects like junk in the private or public places. Sculpture gardens are significant tourist attractions and sources of inspiration and motivation to the public, and particularly to artists and students within and outside Southeastern Nigeria. Other relevant issues on sculpture gardens are further highlighted in the introduction to the study, followed by methodological processes. Review of related literature is effectively carried out. Sculpture gardens in the Southeastern institutions are brought into focus with emphasis on historical development. Sculpture materials are extensively discussed along with various sculpture gardens in the Southeastern tertiary institutions. Sculpture gardens and functions constitute a significant part of the study, because of the important roles they play in the lives of individuals and communities. This is followed by formalistic significance of Southeastern Nigeria Sculpture gardens with emphasis on their formalistic characters. Conclusively, there is a high level of creative professionalism in the works displayed in the various sculpture gardens. Again, these sculptures increase the didactic functionalism that improves the quality of teaching and learning among the students and staff in the various tertiary institutions. It is recommended that Fine Arts departments of tertiary institutions should take the business of sculpture gardens seriously, since they are arenas not only for the display of creative professionalism, but also for achieving didactic functionalism, among others.