Celebrating Nigerian Modernism: A Landmark Exhibition at Tate Modern

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:22:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Explore the vibrant history of Nigerian art as over 50 artists are showcased in a groundbreaking exhibition at London's Tate Modern, highlighting contributions from the early 20th century to the 1990s.

The Tate Modern is currently hosting a landmark exhibition on Nigerian Modernism, featuring the works of over 50 artists spanning decades. This event, celebrated by veteran artist Bruce Onobrakpeya, marks a significant moment for Nigerian contributions to the art world, bridging indigenous techniques with modern styles. The exhibition runs until May 10, 2026, inviting audiences to experience the rich cultural journey of Nigeria through its art.

'This is one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork,' said Bruce Onobrakpeya, a 93-year-old painter and sculptor, reflecting on the profound collection at Tate Modern. The gallery is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Nigerian Modernism,' featuring over 50 renowned artists and spanning work from 1910 to the 1990s.

Onobrakpeya, affectionately known as Baba Bruce, emphasized the exhibition's ability to evoke nostalgia, stating, 'The collection is fantastic and it brings back a lot of memories going back 50, 60, 70 years.'

The exhibition is designed to showcase the diverse styles within Nigerian Modernism, merging traditional techniques such as bronze casting, mural painting, and wood carving with contemporary European influences.

'It's a transfer of the old ideas, old items, old technologies, old thought into a different, modern time,' explains Onobrakpeya. 'It is projecting the present, and showing the way towards the future.' Visitors will find both figurative and abstract styles, including current interpretations of Nigeria's rich cultural history.

Curated by Osei Bonsu, the exhibition highlights the collaborative spirit among artists, showcasing works across different mediums including photography, water colors, and political cartoons. Bonsu notes that the goal of the exhibit is to present the vast and radical visions of modern art that these Nigerian artists offer.

'It comes with a message that we can take home,' Onobrakpeya added, emphasizing that the exhibition cultivates hope and encourages creatives to aim for even greater heights in their work.

'Nigerian Modernism' is set to run at Tate Modern until May 10, 2026, an opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore this underrepresented dimension of global art history.