Nigeria’s Art Revolution Shines on Global Stage

London’s Tate Modern celebrates a century of Nigerian creativity through the landmark “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition.

At London’s world-renowned Tate Modern, over 50 Nigerian artists are taking center stage in an unprecedented exhibition titled Nigerian Modernism. Among them is 93-year-old painter and sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who describes the event as “one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork.” Surrounded by pieces spanning generations, he reflects on decades of creativity that helped shape Africa’s artistic identity.

Blending Tradition and Modernity
Onobrakpeya, affectionately called Baba Bruce, sees the exhibition as a bridge between eras. “Nigerian Modernism,” he says, “is a transfer of old ideas, items, and technologies into a modern time projecting the present while showing the way towards the future.” The showcase highlights how Nigerian artists have fused traditional techniques like bronze casting, mural painting, and wood carving with European influences to craft a distinct modern identity.

A Historical Journey Through Art
The exhibition traces Nigeria’s journey from colonial rule to independence and beyond, capturing both the cultural pride and political turbulence of the 20th century. Works from the 1910s to the 1990s illustrate how artists navigated major national milestones from the end of British rule to the rise of a new Nigerian identity after 1960.

The Biafran War Reflected in Art
The Biafran War (1967–1970) profoundly shaped Nigeria’s artistic direction, and this is reflected in the works of artists from the Nsukka Art School an influential movement founded by students and professors at the University of Nigeria. Their creations capture the pain, resilience, and hope of a nation seeking unity amid conflict. The Tate exhibition positions this period as a turning point, where creativity became a tool for healing and expression.

Art as a Collective Movement

According to Osei Bonsu, curator of Nigerian Modernism, one of the exhibition’s most powerful messages lies in the spirit of collaboration. “It’s not just about artists working on individual projects  almost all of them were guided by a principle of collectivity,” he explains. From workshops to art societies, these groups became cultural hubs where ideas about freedom, identity, and innovation flourished.

A Rich Tapestry of Media and Styles
Bonsu’s curation offers a breathtaking range of mediums from watercolours and photography to thorn carvings and political cartoons. The diversity mirrors Nigeria’s multicultural heritage, with artists hailing from various ethnic backgrounds and the country’s vast diaspora. Each piece reflects the artists’ shared mission: to redefine modern art through an African lens and challenge long-standing global perceptions of creativity.

Empowering the Next Generation
The exhibition also aims to inspire new artists to reclaim their narratives. For young Nigerians and Africans worldwide, Nigerian Modernism serves as a powerful reminder that their heritage is not confined to history but continues to evolve. The movement underscores how art can connect communities, spark dialogue, and drive cultural pride in future generations.

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A Message of Hope and Renewal
For Onobrakpeya, the exhibition is more than just a retrospective it’s a promise of what’s to come. “It gives us hope, it gives us strength,” he says. “We’re going to work harder and produce something even greater than this.” Nigerian Modernism not only celebrates the past but also opens doors for the future, placing Nigerian art firmly on the global map.

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