On View: ‘Nigerian Modernism’ at Tate Modern Charts Artistic Revolution Against Backdrop of Political and Cultural Rebellion

UZO EGONU (1931-1996), “Will Knowledge Safeguard Freedom 2,” 1985 (oil on canvas, 178 x 274.5 cm / 70.1 x 108.1 inches). | © Estate of Uzo Egonu. Tiana and Vikram Chellaram

On View presents images from noteworthy exhibitions

NIGERIA’S MODERN ART REVOLUTION comes to life in “Nigerian Modernism.” The groundbreaking exhibition explores the modern art movement in Nigeria, showcasing works by pivotal figures, the international network of artists active in the movement (including Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists’ and Writers’ Club), and the African, Pan-African, and European aesthetics that influenced the work.

“Nigerian Modernism” begins in the 1940s and charts the period surrounding Nigerian independence and the end of British colonialism in 1960, and beyond. Spanning 50 years, the expansive presentation features more than 50 artists, including Jimo Akolo, El Anatsui, Nike Davies-Okundaye, Uzo Egonu, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ben Enwonwu, Ladi Kwali, Aina Onabolu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Uche Okeke, and Obiora Udechukwu.

Unfolding across nine galleries at Tate Modern, more than 250 paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and works on paper are on view. The works are drawn from Tate holdings and public and private collections across Africa, the United State, and Europe. The exhibition is curated by Tate curators Osei Bonsu with Bilal Akkouche.

“Nigerian Modernism” is on view at Tate Modern in London, UK, from Oct. 8 2025-May 10, 2026

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Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

BEN ENWONWU (1917-1994), “The Dancer (Agbogho Mmuo – Maiden Spirit Mask),” 1962 (oil paint on canvas, object: 930 × 620 mm; frame: 1030 × 720 × 50 mm). | © Ben Enwonwu Foundation, Courtesy Ben Uri Gallery & Museum

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

AINA ONABOLU (1882-1963), “Portrait of an African Man,” 1955 (watercolor on board, object: 485 × 385 mm; frame: 500 × 400 mm). | © Aina Onabolu. Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University

EL ANATSUI (b. 1944), “Solemn Crowds at Dawn,” 1989 (wood, 65 x 140 cm). | © El Anatsui. Tate Collection

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

BEN ENWONWU (1917-1994), “The Durbar of Eid-ul-Fitr, Kano, Nigeria,” 1955 (oil on canvas, 86 x 183 cm / 33 7/8 x 72 1/16 inches). | © Ben Enwonwu Foundation. Private Collection

J.D. OKHAI OJEIKERE (b. 1930), “Untitled (Mkpuk Eba)” 1974, printed 2012 (gelatin silver print on paper, image: 300 x 300 mm; support: 380 x 380 mm). | © Reserved. Tate Collection

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

UZO EGONU (1931-1996), “Stateless People an artist with beret,” 1981. | © The Estate of Uzo Egonu. Private Collection

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). Shown, BEN ONWONWU, “Tutu,” 1974 (oil on canvas). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

NIKE DAVIES-OKUNDAYE (b. 1951), “Animal World,” 1968 (embroidery, 690 × 790 mm). | © Nike Davies Okundaye. Kavita Chellaram. Image courtesy of kó, Lagos

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

BRUCE ONOBRAKPEYA (b. 1932), “The Last Supper,” 1981 (resin, wood, metal and paint, 1200 x 2515 x 25 mm). | © Reserved. Tate Collection. Purchased with funds provided by the Africa Acquisitions Committee, 2019

IBRAHIM EL-SALAHI (b. 1930), “They Always Appear,” 1964 (oil paint on canvas, support: 610 × 460 mm; frame: 505 × 656 × 58 mm). | © Ibrahim El-Salahi. Tate Collection, Purchased from the artist with funds provided by the Africa Acquisitions Committee and Tate International Council 2016

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

JIMO AKOLO (1935-2023), “Fulani Horsemen,” 1962 (oil on canvas adhered to board, object: 1337 × 1082 mm). | © Reserved. Courtesy Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

UZO EGONU (1931-1996), “Women in Grief,” 1968 (oil paint on canvas, support: 482 x 1202 mm; frame: 607 x 1345 x 35 mm). | © Estate of Uzo Egonu. Tate Collection, Presented by Hiltrud Egonu 2014

Installation view of “Nigerian Modernism,” Tate Modern, London, UK, (Oct. 8, 2025-May 10, 2026). | © Tate. Photography: Jai Monaghan

BOOKSHELF
“Nigerian Modernism” is a paperback volume published to coincide with the exhibition. A hardcover catalog documenting the exhibition is forthcoming next summer. “African Modernism in America” accompanied a recent U.S. traveling exhibition. “El Anatsui Behind the Red Moon” documents the artist’s recent Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern (2023-24). “El Anatsui: Art and Life” and “El Anatsui: The Reinvention of Sculpture” are recent volumes exploring the artist’s work. Also consider, “Ben Enwonwu: The Making of an African Modernist” an intellectual biography of the artist published earlier this year, and “African Modernism: The Architecture of Independence. Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Zambia.”