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Nigerian Modernism Shines in London: A Celebration of Art Innovators
• Arts, Culture, Opinion, Nigerian Modernism, Tate Modern, art exhibition, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Muraina Oyelami, Nsukka Art School, Biafran war, collectivity, ethnic groups, diaspora, rtwnews.com, Nigerian Modernism Shines in London: A Celebration of Art Innovators
An impressive showcase of over 50 Nigerian artists and their transformative works will be featured in an exhibition at the Tate Modern, highlighting the evolution and cultural significance of Nigerian modern art.
At the Tate Modern, esteemed 93-year-old Nigerian painter Bruce Onobrakpeya reflects on the significance of the new exhibition, expressing, This is one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork. The exhibition titled 'Nigerian Modernism' features works from over 50 artists, showcasing pieces from 1910 to the 1990s.
Onobrakpeya, affectionately known as Baba Bruce, emphasized the exhibition's role as a powerful recollection of Nigerian artistic heritage, stating, The collection is fantastic and it brings back a lot of memories going back 50, 60, 70 years.
With a diverse array of artworks that blend traditional Nigerian artistic techniques—such as bronze casting and wood carving—with modern European influences, the Tate's display captures the essence of a vibrant and evolving art scene. The presentation is a crucial opportunity to represent Nigerian modernism on an international scale, addressing a movement that has often been overlooked.
The exhibition curator Osei Bonsu explains that the showcased artists, despite their varying styles, are united in their bold visions for modern art. The collection includes inspiring pieces ranging from detailed watercolors to powerful political cartoons, exemplifying the breadth and depth of Nigerian artistry.
Bonsu noted, It is not just about the way in which artists are working on their individual artistic projects; you get the sense that almost all the artists in this exhibition are guided by a principle of collectivity.
Another artist featured in the exhibition, Muraina Oyelami, expressed excitement over being a part of such a significant presentation, despite viewing the label of 'modernist' as somewhat irrelevant to his personal artistic journey.
The exhibition will be open at the Tate Modern until May 10 of the following year, leaving attendees inspired and eager to explore future directions in Nigerian art. As Onobrakpeya concludes, it carries a strong message of hope and encouragement for future generations: It gives us hope, it gives us strength, and we're going to work harder and we're going to produce something even greater than this.\
Onobrakpeya, affectionately known as Baba Bruce, emphasized the exhibition's role as a powerful recollection of Nigerian artistic heritage, stating, The collection is fantastic and it brings back a lot of memories going back 50, 60, 70 years.
With a diverse array of artworks that blend traditional Nigerian artistic techniques—such as bronze casting and wood carving—with modern European influences, the Tate's display captures the essence of a vibrant and evolving art scene. The presentation is a crucial opportunity to represent Nigerian modernism on an international scale, addressing a movement that has often been overlooked.
The exhibition curator Osei Bonsu explains that the showcased artists, despite their varying styles, are united in their bold visions for modern art. The collection includes inspiring pieces ranging from detailed watercolors to powerful political cartoons, exemplifying the breadth and depth of Nigerian artistry.
Bonsu noted, It is not just about the way in which artists are working on their individual artistic projects; you get the sense that almost all the artists in this exhibition are guided by a principle of collectivity.
Another artist featured in the exhibition, Muraina Oyelami, expressed excitement over being a part of such a significant presentation, despite viewing the label of 'modernist' as somewhat irrelevant to his personal artistic journey.
The exhibition will be open at the Tate Modern until May 10 of the following year, leaving attendees inspired and eager to explore future directions in Nigerian art. As Onobrakpeya concludes, it carries a strong message of hope and encouragement for future generations: It gives us hope, it gives us strength, and we're going to work harder and we're going to produce something even greater than this.\