About the Collector

Dr. Alexander Nwuba FITPN FIMCN, FIPMAN

Alex Nwuba stands among Africa’s foremost art collectors, a figure whose passion for creativity has shaped one of the most significant private collections on the continent. His journey is not simply about acquiring works of art; it is about preserving heritage, nurturing friendships, and ensuring that Africa’s artistic voices resonate across generations and geographies.  

A Vision Rooted in Heritage

Nwuba’s collection spans the breadth of African modernism and contemporary practice. It includes the timeless brushstrokes of Ben Enwonwu, the vibrant rhythms of Twin Seven Seven, the evocative works of Georgia Bierer, and the bold expressions of Rufus Ogundele. His holdings extend into the great schools of African art: the Osogbo School, represented by masters such as Muraina Oyelami, Jimoh Buraimoh, Nike Davies-Okundaye, and Twin Seven Seven; and the Nsukka School, where the lineage of Uche Okeke, Obiora Udechukwu, and Chike Adenaike continues to inspire.

These works are not distant acquisitions. Many of the artists represented in his collection are friends personally known to him, making the collection as much a record of relationships as of artistic achievement.  

The Olowe of Ise Collection

At the heart of Nwuba’s legacy is his extraordinary Olowe of Ise collection, regarded as one of the most significant in the world. Olowe of Ise (c. 1873–1938) is celebrated as the greatest Yoruba sculptor of his era, renowned for his elongated forms, dynamic compositions, and intricate carvings that embody Yoruba cosmology, kingship, and ritual practice.  

Nwuba’s dedication to Olowe reflects a call by the Ekiti State Government and the Olowe of Ise Foundation to build a collection and drive the development of a museum dedicated to this legendary master. His holdings became the foundation for the website oloweofise.com, a digital platform that preserves and shares Olowe’s genius with the world.  
In 2025, Nwuba signed a long-term agreement with MOMCAAL London to lease a small part of his Olowe collection, enabling international audiences to experience selections from his private holdings. This partnership ensures that Olowe’s artistry, once confined to palaces and shrines, now resonates on a global stage, bridging Yoruba tradition with worldwide appreciation.  
 
Sculptures, Commissions, and Contemporary Voices
Beyond the historic schools and Olowe’s masterpieces, Nwuba’s collection brims with commissioned sculptures and paintings. Bronze, wood, and mixed media works tell stories of identity, resilience, and spirituality, while contemporary artists bring fresh perspectives rooted in Africa’s evolving cultural landscape.  

A Living Tapestry

The Alex Nwuba Collection is more than art. It is a living tapestry of Africa’s creative spirit, a bridge between past and present, and a reminder that art is not only about beauty but about people, memory, and belonging. Through his stewardship, Nwuba ensures that Africa’s artistic heritage is preserved, celebrated, and shared with the world.
 

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