Natural Syntheses: Nigerian Art in the 20th Century

Nigeria has been independent from the United Kingdom since October 1, 1960. This significant step was accompanied by optimism that also swept up groups of artists who were searching for a new art form for their young country. The exhibition Nigerian Modernism at the Tate Modern in London begins in the 1940s, when calls for the decolonization of Africa grew louder. Many artists from Nigeria came into contact with modern European art under the influence of the British education system, which they later developed further and combined with indigenous art traditions. The artist and teacher Clara Etso Ugbodaga-Ngu (1921-1996) played an important role, influencing numerous artists with her concept of »natural synthesis«. The outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 reversed the optimism of independence and presented artists with new challenges. Nigerian Modernism presents over 250 works of art by more than 50 artists and traces the development of art until the end of the 20th century. The exhibition will be on display in London from October 8, 2025, to May 10, 2026.

The Tate Modern exhibition is the first comprehensive exhibition on the development of Nigerian art in the United Kingdom. The artworks include paintings, sculptures, textile art, ceramics, and drawings. They come from various public and private collections in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Among the artists featured are Jimoh Akolo, Uzo Eguno, El Anatsui, Ben Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, Ladi Kwali, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Twins Seven Seven, Obiora Udechukwu, and Clara Etso Ugbodaga-Ngu. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see the creative forces that revolutionized modern art in Nigeria in one place.