Nigerian Modernism : Art and Independence

Dense exhibition at Tate Modern examining modern art in Nigeria before and after independence.

There was a lot to get across in this show and at times it was difficult to tell if it was an art exhibition or a history one. It was also hung thickly, often with works which we’re very similar to each other, which diluted their effect. I liked the way it was arranged by school or artist giving a good chronology but with overlaps.

My favourite room, despite the hang, was the one dedicated to Ben Enwonwu, the first African modernist to gain international recognition. I was particularly intrigued by the seven sculptures down the centre of the room which my eye read as a choir which turned out to have been commissioned for the headquarters of the Daily Mirror. I liked the inclusion of a potter, Ladi Kwali.

Favourite pieces included Bruce Onobrakpeya’s “Last Supper” and “Stations of the Cross” hung to resemble an altarpiece, Jimo Akolo’s colourful picture of Fulani horsemen and  Uzo Egonu’s abstracted picture of a girl reading.

Closes 10 May 2026

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