FIVE SCULPTURAL ARTWORKS

This research critically examines five contemporary sculptural artworks located on Ekehuan Campus, Benin City, focusing on their form, expression, and communicative potential. The study addresses the skepticism surrounding the ability of sculptural pieces to convey universal, non-verbal communication, independent of linguistic or idiomatic interpretations. This skepticism raises questions about the accessibility of the sculptural language to diverse audiences and its effectiveness in transcending cultural and contextual barriers. The research aims to explore how these sculptures communicate ideas, emotions, and narratives through their forms and expressions. By analyzing the selected artworks, the study seeks to uncover the extent to which they fulfill their communicative roles and resonate with both informed and lay audiences. Using a qualitative methodology, the research involves on-site observations, photographic documentation, and critical analysis of the sculptures’ aesthetic, thematic, and symbolic dimensions. Interviews with the artists and viewers provide further insights into the intent behind the artworks and their perceived impact. The findings reveal that while sculptural artworks on Ekehuan Campus exhibit remarkable creativity and thematic depth, their ability to communicate universally varies. Factors such as cultural symbolism, abstraction levels, and viewer familiarity significantly influence interpretation. The study concludes that effective non-verbal communication in sculpture requires a careful balance between universal themes and contextual nuances. This research contributes to art history and criticism by highlighting the dynamic interplay between form, expression, and audience perception in sculptural art, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public art creation and interpretation.