Stylistic and Thematic Evolution in Landscape Paintings of Lagos State, Nigeria, from Pre - Independence to 2015

Lagos State, the artistic capital of Nigeria is an inspirational source for many landscape paintings which are focused on the outdoor scenes of the State. These landscape paintings come in different styles traceable to Europe. Through a contextual and formal analysis (in addition to literature and personal communication), this paper studies the evolution of themes and styles in the landscape paintings of Lagos State which thematically revolved around the environment and human activities within the State. While naturalism has been constant, abstract expressionistic styles were gradually introduced into the styles of landscape paintings of Lagos while themes have commonly focused on the people, their activities and the built environment. Themes and styles will continue to evolve in the landscape paintings of Lagos State as long as the state continues to grow in different dimensions including population, commerce, industry and the built environment while the number of landscape painters continue to grow. The future is very bright for landscape painting in Lagos State.