Ten White House pupils from Years 5 and 6 in our Art Choice group recently enjoyed an unforgettable visit to Tate Modern to explore the breathtaking Nigerian Modernism exhibition. Accompanied by two parents with close ties to Nigeria, the trip proved to be a truly special cultural experience and a rare opportunity for our pupils to engage with art in an inspiring and meaningful way.
What made the visit even more extraordinary was the fact that we were guided through the entire exhibition by none other than Osei Bonsu, the curator himself. With incredible knowledge, warmth and passion, he brought the artworks to life, explaining not only the techniques and styles used by the artists, but also the deeper historical and cultural contexts behind each piece. Pupils were captivated as he spoke about the significance of Nigerian art during the country’s period of independence, highlighting how creativity became a powerful tool for identity, expression and national pride.
The exhibition itself is vast, featuring an impressive range of paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works. Each room revealed new perspectives on Nigerian life, culture and storytelling, with themes of tradition, politics, modernity and social change woven throughout.
We were incredibly lucky to explore the space in such an enriching way. Members of the public even commented on the children’s focus and curiosity, and many were amazed at how fortunate they were to be learning directly from the curator. It was a trip that will undoubtedly stay with our pupils and me for years to come.