Nigerian Modernism

Exhibition highlight: Nigerian Modernism

Report by Joyce Thornton

Tate Modern’s new Nigerian Modernism exhibition is well worth a visit this autumn, where there is much to be inspired by, despite the disparate elements, and the hugely ambitious scale of the subject matter.

Primeval Beast : Uche Okeke, Oil on Board.

The exhibition aims to track the main developments in art in Nigeria in the volatile time around the country’s independence from colonial rule under Britain in 1960. However, this is a huge task, given the multiple strands of cultural differences, creeds and customs that can be found throughout the land, and the variety of artists and attitudes that are featured.

 Covering painting, sculpture, textiles, graphic art, photography and poetry, the exhibition features a total of over 50 artists

Covering painting, sculpture, textiles, graphic art, photography and poetry, the exhibition features a total of over 50 artists, including Uzo Egonu, El Anastsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE. There will be something for everyone in this show, however, with varied responses to multiple inspirations, across several disciplines, the overall exhibition can sometimes feel a tad disjointed.

JD Okhai Ojeikere: Photograph, detail. 

Arresting highlights include monumental wooden sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, Uche Okeke’s Primeval Beast painting, based on a character from Igbo folktales, where the artist created a powerful visual image imagined from oral storytelling. Also memorable are intricately patterned textiles celebrating folklore by Susanne Wenger, quietly beautiful ceramics, again referencing folk traditions, created by Ladi Kwali, and a remarkable selection of striking images from an epic, photographic project celebrating Nigerian hairstyles of the ‘60s from JD Okhai Ojeikere.

Nigerian Modernism at the Tate October 8, 2025 – May 10, 2026