The global art season is that time of the year when art lovers, enthusiasts, collectors and critics head to fairs, exhibitions, auctions and museums to experience the wonders of art in its various expressions. The highly anticipated season is upon us again, bringing with it a flurry of events to pick from. This journal highlights some of the most awaited and celebrated art events for you to catch across the world..
Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern, London, England
The Tate
Catch the early days of 'Nigerian Modernism', the biggest African art exhibition at the Tate Modern, and a celebration of the legacy of Nigerian artists that redefined modernism and contributed indelibly to the wider global history of modern art.
The exhibition presents a diversity of artistic perspectives on modern art, showcasing the works of about 59 artists including Uzo Egonu, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE, and featuring over 300 works of art including paintings, textiles, ceramics, sculptures and poetry.
The Tate
"The exhibition is an exploration into the many ways in which Nigerian artists use traditional culture and indigenous forms to innovate new forms and languages"
–Osei Bonsu, curator of International Art at Tate Modern
The exhibition, which runs from the 8th October 2025 through 10th May 2026, explores the development of modern art in Nigeria over a 50 year period. It s an invitation to intergenerational conversations about spirituality, cultural heritage, music, religion, and the many other underlying themes and inspirations of modern art. It celebrates of the confrontation between tradition and modernity in Nigeria, telling the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu and some key European locations.
Frieze Art Fair, London
Frieze, London
Frieze London is holding this year from October 15th through 19th, 2025 at The Regent’s Park, London. It is one of the world’s most influential contemporary art fairs, highlighting living artists, innovative practice and contemporary art created mainly post-2000. This year’s exhibiting galleries include STPI, Singapore; Société, Berlin; The Approach, London, United Kingdom; diez, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and much more.
This year’s curated section is themed ‘Echoes in the Present’ and is an exploration of the intricate relationships between land, material and memory across a range of contemporary practices, focusing on a dialogue of artists from Brazil and Africa, and their diasporas.
Frieze, London
Frieze London fair coincides with its sister fair, Frieze Masters, also in The Regent’s Park, which gives a unique view on the relationship between historical art and contemporary practice, showing work made before the year 2000. Frieze Sculpture is another connecting fair, bridging Frieze London and Frieze Masters. It is a free iconic outdoor display throughout The Regent’s Park, featuring major works of leading international artists.
The annual Frieze fairs attract over 60,000 visitors including the general public and aficionados from the art world, such as curators, gallerists and critics, artists, collectors.
Venice Biennale Architecture 2025, Venice, Italy
The massive biennial cultural festival, Venice Biennale, is a world class showcase of architecture, contemporary arts, music, cinema, dance and the historical archives of various nations. The exhibition attracts over half a million guests annually and has over 60 permanent national pavilions built across its sites in the Venice Giardini, Arsenale, and in palazzos throughout the city of Venice. The exhibition explores themes of cultural and political issues, and is a grand showcase of choice artists from participating nations.
“To face a burning world, architecture must harness all the intelligence around us.”
Venice Biennale
The 2025 exhibition is focused on architecture and curated by the architect and engineer Carlo Ratti. It runs from Sat, 10 May 2025 – Sun, 23 Nov 2025. Catch the last few weeks of the festival in Venice, Italy.
Art Basel, Paris
Art Basel
Art Basel Paris is one of the world's premier contemporary art fairs, presenting Modern and contemporary art with a strong curatorial perspective. Art Basel Paris joins Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong, representing the newest addition to Art Basel's prestigious global portfolio.
Under the iconic glass roof of the Grand Palais in the heart of Paris, Art Basel Paris will take place from October 24 to 26, 2025, with VIP Preview Days on Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23. Art Basel Paris is positioning itself as one of the world's major contemporary art events, signifying Art Basel's expansion into the European market beyond its original Basel fair.
Art Basel
The fair features international galleries, modern and contemporary art focus, strong curatorial programming, VIP previews for collectors and industry professionals, cultural events and networking opportunities, and much more.
ART X, Lagos
ArtX Lagos
Between the 6th and 9th of November 2025, ART X Lagos will take place at the Federal Palace Hotel under the theme, "Imagining Otherwise, No Matter The Tide."
ART X Lagos is the premier international art fair in West Africa; a dynamic platform created to celebrate and champion contemporary culture from Africa and its diaspora. Created in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, the fair celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with its most ambitious edition yet.
ArtX Lagos
This year's theme invites reflection on how human imagination can guide us in building healthier, more inclusive futures, which has been the essence of ART X Lagos's journey over the past decade. Featuring powerful exhibitions, music, film, and talks spotlighting African and diasporic creativity, this year's exhibition is highly anticipated by art enthusiasts all over the world. The ART X Cinema is a coveted section of the fair with its immersive audio-visual experience showcasing films by African creators.
Since its inception, ART X Lagos has grown into West Africa's most significant international art fair, having become a global destination that draws artists, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
