Nigerian Modernism: A Landmark Exhibition Shines in London

Tue Nov 11 2025 06:38:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tate Modern showcases the vibrant history and evolution of Nigerian art, featuring over 50 artists from the 1910s to the 1990s, bringing global attention to the richness of Nigerian culture.

The Tate Modern in London is hosting an exceptional exhibition titled 'Nigerian Modernism,' which celebrates the artistic contributions of over 50 Nigerian artists. The 93-year-old painter Bruce Onobrakpeya emphasizes the importance of this event, highlighting its role in preserving and showcasing Nigeria's rich artistic history from 1910 to the 1990s. The collection reflects the blend of indigenous techniques and modern styles while addressing historical events such as the Biafran war. Curator Osei Bonsu notes the exhibition's collective spirit, aiming to illuminate the underrepresented narrative of Nigerian art on the global stage.

This is one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork, 93-year-old painter and sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya says as he looks around the rooms at the Tate Modern, one of London's premier art museums.

Onobrakpeya is among more than 50 artists whose work is going on show at the gallery on the south bank of the Thames as part of Nigerian Modernism, an ambitious presentation that spans a period from 1910 to the 1990s.

Nigerian Modernism is a transfer of the old ideas, old items, old technologies, old thought into a different, modern time, he added. It is projecting the present, and showing the way towards the future. The exhibition features pieces that blend traditional techniques like bronze casting and wood carving with European styles, showcasing Nigeria's artistic journey.

Artists included in this landmark exhibition range from established figures like Nike Davies-Okundaye to rising stars in Nigeria's art scene. The exhibition aims to portray radical visions of what modern art can be, grounding each piece in cultural significance and historical context.

The collections articulate Nigeria's evolution from a British colony through independence and into the civil war period, reflecting the complex social and political realities of the nation. Through an array of artistic styles and mediums, the exhibition not only honors the past but serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists.

Nigerian Modernism runs at the Tate Modern until 10 May next year, offering a critical look into the artistic expressions that have shaped Nigerian identity in modern history.