The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University is proud to announce its participation in the landmark exhibition Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, London. This historic exhibition is the first major UK survey dedicated to Nigeria's modern art movement, and YSMA is honoured to be one of its key institutional lenders.

YSMA has loaned five significant works from its permanent collection by pioneering Nigerian artists: Aina Onabolu, Akinola Lasekan, Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke, and Okpu Eze. These artists played foundational roles in shaping a distinctly Nigerian modernism that responded to colonial legacies, embraced indigenous aesthetics, and articulated new cultural identities in the post-independence era.

The inclusion of these works in Nigerian Modernism not only affirms their historical and artistic value but also positions YSMA as a vital custodian of Nigeria's visual heritage. It is a moment of pride for the museum and a testament to its growing role in the global museum landscape.

This collaboration with Tate Modern is more than a curatorial milestone; it is a reflection of Pan-Atlantic University's broader mission to foster excellence, cultural leadership, and global engagement. As a university deeply committed to the formation of ethical leaders and the promotion of African values, this moment underscores how the arts can serve as a bridge between local heritage and international discourse.

For YSMA, this opportunity reinforces its vision to be a world-class museum that not only preserves but also activates Nigeria's artistic legacy through research, education, and public programming. It also highlights the museum's capacity to contribute meaningfully to global conversations about African art, history, and identity.

As Nigerian Modernism continues to receive international acclaim, YSMA celebrates this moment as a powerful affirmation of its mission and a significant step forward in its journey as a cultural institution of global relevance.

The exhibition is on view at Tate Modern, London, until 10 May 2026.