These Nigerian artists at the Venice Biennale are expanding cultural influence globally

Even without an official pavilion in 2026, Nigerian artists continue to shape global contemporary art conversations at the Venice Biennale as the country prepares for a major return in 2028.

The Venice Biennale is widely regarded as the world’s most influential platform for contemporary art, often described as the “Olympics of the art world.” Founded in 1895, the exhibition brings together artists, curators and cultural institutions from across the globe every two years, with countries presenting ambitious national pavilions that shape international conversations around art, politics and identity. For Nigerian artists, visibility at the Biennale carries enormous symbolic and cultural weight. It places Nigerian contemporary art within a global canon while challenging long-standing Eurocentric narratives about African creativity. Although Nigeria does not have an official pavilion at the 2026 edition, the country’s artistic presence continues through independent projects and participating artists in collateral exhibitions. The absence of a pavilion this year has also renewed conversations about sustainable cultural funding and long-term institutional support for Nigerian art on the world stage.

Nigeria is, however, preparing for a major return in 2028. Earlier this year, the Federal Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa confirmed that Nigeria will participate in the 62nd International Art Exhibition in Venice, with curator Richard Vedelago appointed to lead the project under the government’s “Nigeria Everywhere” cultural diplomacy initiative. The announcement follows the international attention generated by the country’s 2024 pavilion, “Nigeria Imaginary,” curated by Aindrea Emelife. 

This year, Nigerian artists are appearing in Venice through independent programming in 2026, including performance artist Jelili Atiku, whose work forms part of the “1922 Revisited” project examining the colonial history of African art at the Biennale. Nigeria’s return in 2028 is expected to strengthen the country’s cultural influence internationally and reaffirm the growing importance of African artists within global contemporary art discourse.

Jelili Atiku “Eyes No Dey Forget Wetin Heart See”

 

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1922 Revisited with Third Space Foundation presents Jelili Atiku’s performance “Eyes No Dey Forget Wetin Heart See”, the live performance features a mystical masked figure that embodies the earth’s energy on a pilgrimage through rituals and geography. The live experience prompts the audience to be their most honest selves while embracing the magic all around them. 

Read also: Goethe Institut and Dreaming New Worlds project convene a roundtable of women to discuss the future of Nigeria’s art industry

Temitayo Ogunbiyi “In Minor Keys” by Koyo Kouoh

The “In Minor Keys” exhibition is curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. She was named curator of the 61st Venice Biennale shortly before she passed. Temitope Ogunbiyi brings a breath of fresh air to the exhibition; her sculptural installation, featuring prints of plants in wooden shelves, is playful and unexpected. 

Marcia Kure “In Minor Keys” by Koyo Kouoh

Nigerian American artist Marcia Kure is also exhibiting in the Koyo Kouoh Exhibition “In Minor Keys”. She is showing paintings as well as a sculptural garment made of long braided hair representing histories of womanhood and textures of beauty. 

Adebunmi Gbadebo “In Minor Keys” by Koyo Kouoh 

Multidisciplinary artist Adebunmi Gbadebo shares both Ceramic works and paintings at the “In Minor Keys” exhibition by Koyo Kouoh. The work highlights textures of clay and explores the surface as a living memory of time and touch. Each surface encourages the viewer to be drawn into the sensation of the object and its existence in the space. 

Ranti Bam “Ifa Ile Oja – Black Ifa” at the Arsenale 

 

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Nigerian ceramic artist Ranti Bam brings 5 sculptures, “Ifa Ile Oja – Black Ifa” to the Venice Biennale’s Arsenale. Her totemic objects carry spirits embodied as form. This work tackles ideas of protection and guardianship, highlighting the importance and survival of ancestral modes of making. 

Nigerian art across the globe 

The few Nigerian artists who could show their work at the 61st Venice Biennale explore ideas of cultural and spiritual heritage. Their work stands as a testament to remaining true to the values and principles that guide our history and current life at home. I’m looking forward to the 2028 Nigerian Pavilion at the 62nd Venice Biennale, as there are so many artists who can reflect the upcoming theme “Nigeria Everywhere”.

Read more: Leonard “Soldier” Iheagwam’s exhibition, “Nourishment” at Nahous, recontextualises beloved Nigerian foods

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