Set against the backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion, Nigerian Modernism celebrates the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of national independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works.