Ibie’ka (Ideographs): Developing Visual Signs for Expressing Contemporary Niger Delta in an Era of Petroleum Oil Exploitation

Abstract

Visual signs (ideographs) are artistic codified expressions that promote social and cultural integration. They are normally based on popular conventions which over a period of time become generally accepted. In pre-western literate Africa, apart from oral communication, visual codes were employed within social groups. The impact of such codifications were usually entrenched in socio-religious and cultural rubrics. In modern society, much of such knowledge systems have become lost to western literate types. The adverse effect of such transference is noticeable in near total alienation of popular visual arts codifications and their appreciation. Persons now rely solely on the written text for communication. Whereas it is important that artistic visualizations should promote and preserve indigenous aesthetics wherein knowledge systems that promote such exists. It is from this perspective that Ibie’ka signs, inspired by rigorous studio explorations as expressed in the researcher’s Niger Delta Visuals (NDV) present new possibilities for indigenous communication that espouses conditions of human challenges related to exploitative tendencies of oil exploration in the Niger delta. Based on studio exploratory approach, Ibie’ka signs add to a repertoire of new expressive sinology that aptly promotes indigenous knowledge system in contemporary Africa.

Key words: Ibie’ka, signs, petroleum oil, exploitation.