Nigerian Modernism – A Radical Reframing of African Art History
Nigerian Modernism arrives as a necessary act of reclamation in a cultural field long defined by Western narratives.
Published to accompany a landmark exhibition, this book traces the rise of modern art in Nigeria from the aftermath of the Second World War to the close of the twentieth century.
Edited by Osei Bonsu, Curator of International Art at Tate Modern, the volume situates Nigerian Modernism as a distinct and globally resonant movement, not just a local response to European art.
Through essays by various authors, including Bilal Akkouche, délé jégédé, Will Rea, and Molara Wood, the book unfolds a complex dialogue between tradition and innovation, faith and form, material and meaning.
A necessary act of reclamation in a cultural field long defined by Western narratives.
Author's summary: Nigerian Modernism redefines African art history.