Nigerian Modernism in the Global Spotlight
Stakeholders in the art and culture sector recently commemorated World Art Day through a virtual session held in partnership with Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading culture institutions. The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” highlighted the global significance of Nigerian modernism and reinforced a shared commitment to democratizing access to art.
The session featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, followed by an insightful conversation between Osei Bonsu, Tate Modern Curator, and Daniel Wallis, art expert and educator at Tate. This offered participants a unique depth into the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.
Osei Bonsu on Nigerian Modernism
Speaking during the session, Bonsu noted: “Nigerian Modernism is not an extension of European modernism, it is a powerful, independent reimagining of what modern art can be. Rooted in Nigeria’s rich ethnic diversity, artists developed new visual languages that reflect multiple cultural identities and histories, fundamentally reshaping how we understand modern art on a global scale.”
The conversation reinforced a shared commitment between Nigeria and Tate Modern to elevate African art on the global stage, ensuring that the country’s stories, creativity, and cultural heritage continue to shape conversations and inspire future generations. The session emphasized that strong institutional engagement with arts and culture is a critical pillar of societal development.
Coronation Group’s Role
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, the facilitator of the virtual session, Ngozi Akinyele, spoke about the enduring value of art in shaping society and identity. “We recognize that the true wealth of a nation lies in three forms of capital—financial capital, cultural capital, and intellectual capital—as championed by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group. While financial capital builds prosperity, cultural and intellectual capital give that prosperity meaning. One strengthens institutions, while the other shapes identity and inspires dialogue. At Coronation Group and Access Holdings, we share a conviction that access to art must be democratized; it should be for all, not a select few.”
The event also underscored the growing global recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through the ongoing exhibition at Tate Modern, which recently welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a milestone moment that highlights the increasing international prominence of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The company reaffirmed the importance of such collaborations, stating: “This partnership with Tate Modern reflects our broader commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage. By creating platforms for engagement, dialogue, and learning, we are not only supporting the arts, but we are also preserving identity, fostering understanding, and investing in the cultural capital that defines who we are.”
