Tate Modern's 'Nigerian Modernism' Charts a Century of Art Against Coloniality
Tate Modern in London presents 'Nigerian Modernism', a major exhibition running from 8 October 2025 to 10 May 2026, curated by Osei Bonsu and Bilal Akkouche. The show spans nearly a century of Nigerian art from the early 1900s to the 1990s, challenging Eurocentric narratives of modernism. It features over 200 works by key artists including Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, El Anatsui, and Uzo Egonu. The exhibition opens with a carved door by Olowe of Ise (c. 1910) from the British Museum, depicting a British officer before a Yoruba king. Sections trace the Zaria Art Society (founded 1958) and the Mbari Club (Ibadan, 1961), highlighting the 'natural synthesis' concept blending Nigerian traditions with European techniques. Enwonwu's 1960 wood sculptures commissioned by the Daily Mirror are a highlight. The show also addresses the Nigerian diaspora through Egonu's paintings of 'Stateless People'. Critics note uneven installation but praise the decolonial ambition.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Nigerian Modernism' at Tate Modern, London, runs 8 October 2025 – 10 May 2026.
- Curated by Osei Bonsu (recently appointed curator of International Art, Africa and Diaspora at Tate) and Bilal Akkouche.
- Spans nearly a century of Nigerian art from early 1900s to 1990s.
- Opens with Olowe of Ise's carved door (c. 1910) from British Museum.
- Features artists: Aina Onabolu, Akinola Lasekan, Ben Enwonwu, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, El Anatsui, Uzo Egonu, Twins Seven-Seven, Obiora Udechukwu, Sàngódáre Gbádégẹsin Àjàlá.
- Highlights Zaria Art Society (1958) and Mbari Club (Ibadan, 1961).
- Enwonwu's seven wood sculptures commissioned by Daily Mirror in 1960 are a centerpiece.
- Uche Okeke revived Igbo uli body and mural painting traditions.
- El Anatsui's early wood works from 1990s show uli influence.
- Uzo Egonu's diaspora section features 'Stateless People' paintings.
Entities
Artists
- Olowe of Ise
- Aina Onabolu
- Akinola Lasekan
- Ben Enwonwu
- Uche Okeke
- Bruce Onobrakpeya
- El Anatsui
- Uzo Egonu
- Twins Seven-Seven
- Obiora Udechukwu
- Sàngódáre Gbádégẹsin Àjàlá
- Osei Bonsu
- Bilal Akkouche
Institutions
- Tate Modern
- British Museum
- Daily Mirror
- Zaria Art Society
- Mbari Club
- Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
- Pan-Atlantic University
- Hood Museum of Art
- University of Nsukka
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Nigeria
- Ibadan
- Lagos
- Nsukka
- Ikere
- England