COMMEMORATING THE POSTGRADUATE PAINTING STUDIO SPACE IN HONOUR OF PROFESSOR MANASSEH EMAMOKE IMONIKEBE

This project titled “Commemorating the Postgraduate Painting Studio Space in honour of Professor Manasseh Emamoke Imonikebe” was conceived as a creative and commemorative design project aimed at honouring the artistic and pedagogical contributions of Professor Imonikebe, a distinguished Nigerian painter and educator. This study’s practical aspect sought to design and produce an illuminated acrylic board signage that would serve both as a functional marker and as a symbolic artefact of institutional memory within the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Benin. The research adopted a practice-based methodology, combining theoretical investigation, material experimentation, and studio production. Various literatures on commemoration, graphic design practice, typography, and material innovations were reviewed to establish a conceptual framework. The practical component involved the design and fabrication of an illuminated acrylic signage integrating laser-cut lettering and LED lighting, chosen for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and contemporary relevance. The outcome demonstrated that acrylic and lighting technologies can effectively enhance commemorative design by improving visibility, durability, and symbolic value. The completed signage achieved a harmonious balance between innovation and tradition, reflecting both the academic spirit of the institution and the creative legacy of Professor Imonikebe. The study concludes that creative experimentation with modern materials in commemorative contexts enriches design pedagogy and expands the boundaries of graphic design practice in Nigerian higher institutions. It recommends that universities adopt innovative and sustainable approaches to commemoration, merging heritage, technology, and design as tools for preserving academic legacies.