"Uche Okeke's declaration in 1960 marked the beginning of a new era of independence, emphasizing the role of artists in shaping a postcolonial identity: 'This is our renaissance era!'"
"The exhibition captures the exhilaration of Nigeria's artistic explosion during its independence, showcasing how artists forged a collective identity amidst cultural and political shifts."
"Aina Onabolu's work in 1923 introduced a new art curriculum in Lagos, blending European techniques with distinctly Nigerian subjects, illustrating the hybrid nature of early Nigerian modernism."
"Nigerian modernism is characterized by a variety of responses to the nation's evolving identity, reflecting the complexities of its cultural and political landscape."
The exhibition at Tate Modern presents an exploration of Nigerian artists' contributions to postcolonial identity formation. It highlights the works of Uche Okeke and Aina Onabolu, emphasizing their roles in redefining artistic narratives in Nigeria. Okeke's declaration of a renaissance era in 1960 reflects the excitement surrounding independence. The show captures the complexity of Nigerian modernism, which encompasses various responses to cultural and political changes. While ambitious, the exhibition sometimes lacks sufficient historical context to fully convey the radical nature of these artistic developments.
Read at Hyperallergic
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