Chameleon: A Sculptural Depiction of Poor Governance in Nigeria

The paper delves into social commentary on poor governance in Nigeria, using sculpture as a focal point to highlight political corruption and the recycling of leaders. The researcher examines the significant governance issue of old, recycled politicians who lack fresh ideas and often use their wealth to become political ‘magnates’, intermittently using these resources to maintain power at the expense of the nation, with consequences. Sculpture, both as a political tool and a mirror reflecting the excesses and consequences of politicians’ hubristic actions, is questioned and depicted. Sculptors have, over time, used their craft to address and mirror issues in their societies, particularly poor governance. Some of these sculptors include Ayo Aina, Myron Liggett, Rene Iche, Willie Bester, Jelili Atiku, among others. These artists use visual forms to highlight the issue of poor governance in a nation facing numerous problems and struggling to accept its political situation. Through practice-based research and deprecatory visual examination, the research presents the Chameleon, created from junk and other found objects, as well as fibre resin, as a sculptural metaphor for poor leadership and its attendant consequences. The investigation suggests that sculpture can serve as a veritable tool for espousal and municipal reawakening of the beautiful art of sculptural research practice, transforming it into a manifesto for political change.