In what renowned painter and sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya describes as one of the greatest things for Nigerian art, Tate Modern has launched an extensive exhibition showcasing over 50 artists under the theme 'Nigerian Modernism'. The exhibition spans from 1910 to the 1990s, intertwining Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
Onobrakpeya, affectionately known as Baba Bruce, reflected on the significance of the exhibition, stating, The collection is fantastic and it brings back a lot of memories going back 50, 60, 70 years. Walking through the expansive galleries, viewers will encounter diverse works that resonate with Nigeria's complex history—from pre-colonial times, through independence, to the civil war.
According to the exhibition's curator, Osei Bonsu, the collection represents not only individual talent but also a collective spirit, showcasing various artistic movements and techniques such as bronze casting, mural painting, and wood carving. The exhibition presents a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with Nigerian history and modernism, highlighting how recent events influenced contemporary art.
Diverse pieces include naturalistic paintings that document real-life events and abstract works, while artists like Muraina Oyelami express a more liberate view of modernist labels. Oyelami shared, I made artworks, paintings. If the writer or the critic now comes and says: 'This is modernism'... If that is what they call it, why not? I don't care.
Whether it's illustrating the national psyche during troubled times or exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage, the 'Nigerian Modernism' exhibition encourages visitors to appreciate a movement that has long been underrepresented internationally. Running until May 10 next year, it promises to illuminate the vibrant and transformative nature of Nigerian art, instilling a sense of strength and hope within the community.
