This is one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork, 93-year-old painter and sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya says as he looks around the rooms at the Tate Modern, one of London's premier art museums. The collection is fantastic and it brings back a lot of memories going back 50, 60, 70 years. Onobrakpeya is among more than 50 artists whose work is going on show at the gallery on the south bank of the Thames as part of Nigerian Modernism, an ambitious presentation that spans a period from 1910 to the 1990s. To Onobrakpeya, affectionately called Baba Bruce within art circles, Nigerian Modernism is a transfer of the old ideas, old items, old technologies, old thought into a different, modern time. It is projecting the present, and showing the way towards the future. Pieces that blend indigenous Nigerian techniques like bronze casting, mural painting, and wood carving with European styles are on display, illustrating a journey from colonial influences to contemporary expressions of identity and heritage. The exhibition runs until May 10, 2024, aiming to illuminate a movement long underrepresented on the global stage.
Celebrating Nigerian Modernism: A Historic Art Showcase at Tate Modern, London

Celebrating Nigerian Modernism: A Historic Art Showcase at Tate Modern, London
An exhibition at Tate Modern features over 50 Nigerian artists, celebrating the rich history and evolution of Nigerian art from 1910 to the 1990s. Recognized artist Bruce Onobrakpeya describes it as a significant milestone for Nigerian artwork.
The Tate Modern in London is currently hosting an expansive exhibition titled 'Nigerian Modernism,' which features the work of more than 50 Nigerian artists spanning from 1910 to the 1990s. Celebrated artist Bruce Onobrakpeya views this showcase as a historic moment for Nigerian art, reflecting its evolution and cultural significance. The exhibition highlights various indigenous techniques and styles from Nigeria, blending traditional and contemporary art.