By Prisca Sam-Duru

The art season in 2025 draws to a close in the most reverberating and inspiring manner with a colourful exhibition celebrating Nigerian media icon and Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka.

The prestigious inaugural exhibition, the “Uncle Sam Amuka” (USA) art exhibition opens tomorrow, with breathtaking art pieces showcasing a refined collection of artworks, including pieces from the nonagenarian’s private collection.

Organized by the Tourists Club International (TCI) in collaboration with Vanguard, the exhibition tagged, “The Beginning,” will run at Alexis Galleries, 282 Akin Olugbade street, off Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos, from December 16 to 20, 2025.

A Convergence of Masterpieces

The core of the exhibition is a selection of paintings from Uncle Sam’s personal collection, featuring works by renowned artists. Highlights include two masterpieces by Ghana’s Prof. Ablade Glover and a rare, exquisite 100-year-old carved elephant tusk, both of which will be available for sale.

However, two paintings by celebrated Nigerian artist Kenny Adamson, though part of the exhibit, will not be for sale. The overall show will feature approximately 35 works, including contributions from artists who have worked closely with Uncle Sam, such as Prof. Dele Jegede, Albert Ohams, and Fidelis Atumah.

From Prof Jegede, comes the painting, “Celestial Aesthetic Series 2, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 (2014), a master piece that “holds deep personal and cultural significance, memorializing his deceased son and integrating Yoruba colour symbolism in an evocative, spiritual style.”

Observers at the exhibition will also be wowed by the works of fine artists such as Dr Bolaji Ogunwo who exhibits, “Memories” (Acrylic on canvas: 90cm x 120. 2024), and “Penchant”, (Acrylic on canvas, 40cm x 40cm, 2023).

Another artist, Fidelis Ugochuku Atumah Abiamuwe better known with his creative name, Atumakanism Afrikanism, will be exhibiting three master pieces at the inaugural exhibition. The US-based artist honours Uncle Sam in this exhibition with works specially produced for the Vanguard boss. They include, “Gratitude”, Oil on canvas: Size: 48 x 60 (4ft x 5ft); Style: Abstraction: technique: Impasto: 2025); “Blessed All Round”, Acryullic on canvas: 48 x 48 (4ft x 4ft); Absttract Expressionism, Impasto and Brush Strokes; 2025); and “Death is inevitable, Life is a Gift, Tomorrow is not Guaranteed”, Oil on canvas; Size: 24 x 36 (2ft x 3ft); Style: Surrealism; Brush Strokes, 2025).

Yet another talented artist whose works are also showing is Greg Onyeka, a multifaceted Nigerian painter with strong sculptural background. Onyeka is renowned for his acrylic and oil paintings marked by bold colours and cubist human forms. He presents three works, “Focus”, “Meditation”, and “Identity”. Onyeka’s paintings create a solid and symbolic narrative fit for the inaugural USA Exhibition.

Artists that worked with Uncle Sam in the media whose works will also interest viewers include, Dada Adekola, Kenny Adamson and Albert Ohams.

Preserving a Legacy

Speaking at a preview session, the Curator and President of TCI, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, emphasised that the exhibition is more than an aesthetic showcase; it is an act of “preserving memory, culture, identity, and heritage.”

“The Beginning”, being the inaugural edition of the USA Exhibition, he noted, was named after the “Grand Patron, of TCI, Uncle Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper.”

“Beyond his influential journalism career, Uncle Sam Amuka is a passionate promoter of the arts and an art collector. He pioneered inclusion of cartoons and cartoonists in Nigerian newspapers, leaving a lasting legacy in media and arts,” noted Mbonu-Amadi.

The curator then explained the organic genesis of the event, which started with a cartoonist approaching them to sell his works. “Yet, we perceived something far beyond simple transactions. We saw a profound narrative: The story of Uncle Sam Amuka’s legacy intertwined with art, artists, and their creative expressions,” he stated.

According to him, “a diverse group of Nigerian and US-based artists came together to create original works exclusively for the USA Art Exhibition 1.0,” adding that “This event marks the beginning of an annual art exhibition series known as the USA Exhibition.”

From Imperfection to Perfection

Irrespective of the fact that the show blazes with breathtaking colours and masterful techniques, its essence, according to Mbonu-Amadi, transcends mere aesthetics. “It narrates a journey from imperfection to ever-elevating creative standards.” This evolution will be powerfully captured by the juxtaposition of the very first published edition of Vanguard Newspaper alongside a copy from the opening day.

The philosophy guiding the ‘USA’ exhibition (Uncle Sam Art) is anchored in the belief that art is the timeless preserver of culture and heritage. Mbonu-Amadi expressed the ambitious hope that the exhibition will “produce the next generation of Leonardo Da Vincis and Pablo Picassos.”

A Commitment to the Arts

In this maiden edition, the curator has thoughtfully incorporated artifacts intimately connected to Uncle Sam, including evocative photographs and memorable newspaper publications. A segment will feature works from his cherished collection, often diminished by his generous habit of gifting these pieces to friends and associates.

The organisers are optimistic that this year’s successful debut marks the beginning of an annual series, ensuring the continuation of the Vanguard Publisher’s legacy even as the ‘Uncle Sam Art Exhibition’ becomes a permanent fixture in the Nigerian art calendar.