These Artists Revolutionized Modern Art in Nigeria. They’re Finally Getting Recognition Further Afield

A groundbreaking exhibition at London's Tate Modern titled "Nigerian Modernism" is showcasing over 250 works by more than 50 Nigerian artists, highlighting their significant but often overlooked contributions to modern art. The exhibition traces the development of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s through the colonial period, independence in 1960, and into the postcolonial era of the 1970s and 1980s. Notable featured artists include Ben Enwonwu, who gained international recognition while incorporating his Igbo heritage into his work, and Ladi Kwali, a pioneering female ceramicist who blended traditional techniques with modern training.