A look inside the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern

"The long-awaited Nigerian Modernism art exhibition is finally here. Showing at the Tate Modern since Wednesday 8 October 2025, the energetic, large-scale show is the UK's first exhibition charting the development of modern art across Nigeria and its diaspora. Opening against the backdrop of Nigeria's 65th independence anniversary and UK Black History Month, the show is an important celebration of a lesser-heralded contribution of Nigerian artists to art history, for all art and culture enthusiasts to enjoy."

"Visitors can experience 250 diverse works from over 50 artists. These talents used their unique creative capabilities to respond to Nigeria's shifting socio-political landscape during the mid-20th century. The exhibition timeline starts in 1940, amidst Africa's simmering decolonisation movement. Ending with the 1980s, the show displays works created during pivotal points in Nigeria's history, from the optimism of independence in 1960 and the ensuing economic boom, to the devastation of the civil war from 1967, to the expansion of a global diaspora towards the turn of the millennium."

"Visitors can expect varied art forms, from the patterned ceramics of renowned potter Ladi Kwali, to the resonant portrait painting of arts educator Aina Onabolu and the frenetic, sinuous brushstrokes of modern art pioneer Ben Enwonwu, as well as sculptures and textiles. Many pieces merge indigenous creative practices with European techniques, demonstrating the breadth of Nigerian artistic tradition. Indeed, with around 250 ethnic groups and approximately 500 languages, Nigeria boasts a rich cultural legacy, dating back to the Iron Age, as evidenced by the terracotta Nok sculptures."

Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern presents 250 works by more than 50 artists, mapping the development of modern art across Nigeria and its global diaspora. The exhibition covers work produced from 1940 through the 1980s, encompassing decolonisation, 1960 independence optimism, a subsequent economic boom, the 1967 civil war, and later diaspora movements. The show includes ceramics, portrait painting, sculpture, and textiles, and highlights artists who combined indigenous creative practices with European techniques. Key figures include Ladi Kwali, Aina Onabolu and Ben Enwonwu. The display coincides with Nigeria's 65th independence anniversary and UK Black History Month.

Read at CN Traveller