'Nigerian Modernism' at Tate Modern showcases over 50 artists who revolutionised modern art in Nigeria, set against a backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion. The exhibition celebrates the period before and after Nigeria's independence in 1960, when a generation of creatives began experimenting, pushing boundaries, and redefining what Nigerian art could be. From paintings to sculptural works, it's an opportunity to see how these artists utilised their practice to challenge colonial norms while expressing their national identity.
The exhibition maps the creative networks linking Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos, and Enugu with art hubs in London, Munich, and Paris. Collectives like the Zaria Art Society and the Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club fused Nigerian, African, and European techniques, producing multidimensional works that still resonate today. The exhibition offers a striking celebration of Nigerian creativity and its lasting impact on the global art scene.