Second wave of Collecting Now debuts at Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

By Chioma Obinagwam

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University has announced the launch of the second chapter in its celebrated Collecting Now series.

Confiance News gathered from a press statement issued by the Pan-Atlantic University in Monday.

Set to debut on October 11, 2025, this edition showcases 90 remarkable pieces borrowed from six prominent Nigerian art enthusiasts: Olufemi Akinsanya, Ifeyinwa Momah, Tayo Odunsi, Nonso Okpala, Bimpe Nkontchou, and Yemi Ogunbiyi. The display grants visitors a rare glimpse into an eclectic mix of traditional, modern, and contemporary pieces that seldom leave their private homes.

Building on the triumph of its 2024 debut, Collecting Now has established itself as a vital showcase for Nigeria’s evolving art-collecting culture and its vital contributions to the nation’s creative industries. Spanning paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations, the exhibition explores the dynamic tension between personal passions and shared cultural narratives. This iteration stands out by emphasizing the contributions of two female collectors, whose stories highlight collecting not just as a pursuit but as a form of personal expression and social advocacy.

“The Collecting Now series reinforces YSMA’s role as a pioneering institution that brings private visions into public spaces,” said Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. “We are not only presenting exceptional works of art but also shaping a critical conversation about collecting as a cultural practice that ensures continuity, strengthens our art ecosystem, and connects Nigeria’s artistic legacy with future generations.”

One of the highlighted collectors, Ifeyinwa Momah, reflected on her involvement: “For me, art is everyday living—it fills my spaces, shapes my memories, and inspires how I see the world. This exhibition is deeply meaningful because it allows these personal experiences to be encountered publicly, sparking conversations that affirm the value of art in our daily lives. I am proud to stand alongside fellow collectors in sharing our journeys through this platform at YSMA.”

The show continues to benefit from the backing of Ark Insurance Brokers, who are once again covering the insurance for all exhibited works. This ongoing collaboration highlights their stature as a top-tier insurer for Nigeria’s cultural sector, blending their insurance prowess with a deep-rooted dedication to fostering artistic endeavors.

“Our partnership with YSMA for Collecting Now reflects our enduring belief that Nigerian art is a national treasure worthy of world-class protection,” remarked Kayode Awogboro, Managing Director of Ark Insurance Group. “As a trusted name in insurance, we take pride in safeguarding collections of immense cultural value, while affirming our commitment to the arts as part of the fabric of society.”

By championing this project, YSMA solidifies its status as a trailblazing hub for cultural research, broadening access to artistic treasures, and honoring Nigerian collectors as stewards of the country’s past and present. Everyone is welcome to explore Collecting Now II from October 11, 2025, through February 9, 2026, at the Olori Funmilayo Shyllon Exhibition Gallery within the YSMA at Pan-Atlantic University.

Hailed as “the apex of a collector’s aspiration to preserve his art” and named Museum Opening of the Year by Apollo Magazine in 2020, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University stands as Nigeria’s premier art venue.

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