Celebrating Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern
A Landmark Exhibition
This week marked a significant milestone in the world of African art with the unveiling of Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern in London. The exhibition, a collaborative effort between Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group, showcases Nigeria’s rich contribution to the global modern art scene. Officially launched with an opening reception, Nigerian Modernism will run from October 2025 until May 2026.
Showcasing Artistic Evolution
The exhibition features a remarkable collection of 50 artists and 250 works that chronicle Nigeria’s modern art movement from the 1940s through the late 1980s. This timeline captures a pivotal period that encompasses the tail end of colonial rule and the fervor of independence. Viewers will encounter a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and poetry, each contributing to the global dialogue on African creativity.
Iconic Pieces Returned
Among the impressive displays are seven wooden sculptures crafted by renowned artist Ben Enwonwu, originally commissioned for the Daily Mirror in London back in 1960. Once seen as powerful symbols of Nigeria’s emerging national identity, these sculptures are returning to the UK, now housed within the Access Holdings Art Collection. Their presence at Tate Modern serves as a poignant reminder of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and an act of reclamation, curated and promoted by Nigerians themselves.
A Strengthening Partnership
The partnership between Access Holdings, Coronation Group, and Tate Modern underscores a commitment to amplifying Africa’s artistic legacy. It aims to ensure that influential Nigerian modernists like Ben Enwonwu, Uzo Egonu, and Ladi Kwali are firmly positioned within the global narrative of art.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, remarked, “This collaboration is a statement of confidence in Africa’s creative excellence. We see culture as both legacy and opportunity, a way to strengthen our identity, empower future generations, and place African narratives at the heart of global conversations.”
A Personal Connection to Home
Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, expressed the significant emotional impact of the exhibition, saying, “Seeing our Nigerian art on the walls of Tate Modern filled me with indescribable pride. It felt like home had travelled, like Nigeria itself was being celebrated in the heart of London, and the world bore witness.”
Educational Initiatives and Cultural Engagement
Beyond this landmark exhibition, Access Holdings and Coronation Group are also engaging in educational programming aimed at young audiences. Their initiatives include student tours at Tate Modern, which provide opportunities for young Africans in the UK to connect with their artistic heritage. This engagement fosters intercultural exchange and promotes creative learning experiences.
Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Coronation Group, noted the significant scale of the exhibition’s opening, claiming it to be the largest in Tate’s 25-year history. She highlighted, “We are stewarding a renaissance in African art, just as we have seen in music, film, and fashion, a renaissance that is restoring dignity and belonging for a generation that must carry our story forward.”
Corporate Support for the Arts
Access Holdings is reinforcing its role in supporting Nigeria’s creative ecosystem through its corporate art collection, which features significant works by Nigerian modernists. The company is also dedicated to fostering cultural education programs that promote appreciation for heritage and the artistic development of young individuals.
Similarly, Coronation Group, through its Coronation Art Galleries, is invested in nurturing appreciation for modern and contemporary African art. They are also involved in the important effort to preserve Benin Bronzes in collaboration with national institutions.
A Vision for the Future
Together, Access Holdings and Coronation Group represent the vital intersection of modern finance and contemporary art, driving a collective vision that respects and promotes Nigeria’s rich artistic traditions. This collaboration not only showcases the country’s artistic achievements but also sets the stage for future generations to continue sharing their stories on a global scale.
