"I hope to inspire an appreciation for and a deeper understanding of African art for all of our visitors.”- Ezeluomba

The Nigerian-born Dr. Ndubuisi C. Ezeluomba, better known as Endy, has been appointed as the new curator of African art for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, VMFA. He starts his new role at the Museum on May 25. In this new role, Endy will take the lead in reimagining the Museum's extensive African Art collection.

Alex Nyerges, Director at VMFA, expressed her delight in having Endy back on the curatorial team at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Noting that he will “advance the vision for the museum’s renowned African art collection” and make it “an invaluable resource for Virginians who wish to learn more about African art and culture."

Endy is not a greenhorn in curatorial practice having previously held the role of a curator of African Art for Françoise Billion Richardson at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) from 2018 to 2022. He was also the Curatorial Research Specialist in African Art for VMFA in Richmond, Virginia.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts selected him as their new curator of African Art based on his exemplary scholarship in the field, his firsthand knowledge of the museum’s collection, and his visionary approach to exhibitions and collection displays.

"I am excited to return to VMFA during such a transformative time for the museum,” Ezeluomba said as he expressed his excitement about the new appointment.

“African art and culture are relevant to the history and people of Virginia. Through my work at VMFA, including curating the galleries for African art in the new wing as part of the museum’s upcoming expansion project, I hope to inspire an appreciation for and a deeper understanding of African art for all of our visitors.” He added.

As the new curator at the Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts, Ezeluomba's responsibilities include the development, interpretation, and stewardship of VMFA’s African art collection, which comprises more than 1,200 works of art, including paintings, ceramics, photographs, figures, masks, ritual objects, and textiles from over 100 cultures throughout the continent.

Raised in Benin city, Nigeria, Enzeluombo graduated from the University of Benin with a Bachelor's degree in Fine and Applied Arts. He completed his Master’s degree at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and further received a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Florida, Gainesville where his research on “Olokun Shrines: Their Functions in the Culture of Benin Speaking People of Southern Nigeria” won a Dissertation Award. Endy has held different positions ranging from art curation to being a Research specialist for various museums and institutions.