
Freedom of expression: Tate exhibition offers an overdue showcase of Nigeria’s Modernist artists
Tate Modern’s exhibition "Nigerian Modernism" showcases over 300 works by 59 Nigerian modernist artists, curated by Osei Bonsu and Bilal Akkouche. The show follows the 2018 record sale of Ben Enwonwu’s portrait "Tutu" for £1.2 million at Bonhams, which highlighted the neglect of modern African artists in global art history. The exhibition includes pioneering figures like Aina Onabolu, the first African student at an English art school, and Uche Okeke of the Zaria Art Society, whose work blended Islamic aesthetics, uli mural traditions, and European techniques.




