African Diaspora Art Donation at Tate Brings New Works from Iconic African Artists

Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez at Tate Modern standing in front of their African Diaspora art donation.

A major African Diaspora art donation from collectors Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez brings 36 new works to the Tate, cementing global diversity.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

LONDON— Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez, two passionate collectors and long-time patrons of the arts, have made a monumental, transformative contribution to the Tate. This latest gift includes 36 works by artists from across Africa and its global diaspora. The works further cement the couple’s longstanding commitment to diversifying and enriching the museum’s collection. This marks their second major donation to the Tate in just one year, demonstrating a sustained vision for broadening the narrative of contemporary art.

The new addition to Tate’s holdings spans decades of artistic expression and a remarkable breadth of media—from the early 20th-century photography of Malian legend Seydou Keïta to the contemporary, vibrant paintings of Joy Labinjo, a rising star of Nigerian descent. This collection showcases a wide range of voices and generations. It introduces the museum’s audience to both established names and emerging artists. Some of these artists are showing their work in Europe for the first time.

Several artists from the Pérez African diaspora art donation are already in Tate’s collection. The museum recently featured their artworks in exhibitions. The late Nigerian-born photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode is one such artist. His intimate and often intense portraits of Black men reveal deep psychological emotion. Tate has recognized his work for many years. Tate also holds many works by J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere. His celebrated photographs, including iconic portraits of Nigeria’s post-independence hairstyling traditions, feature prominently in the collection. Artworks by several of the artists are currently on view in the museum’s Nigerian Modernism exhibition.

New Faces and Curatorial Impact

Other names in the Pérez collection are making their debut at Tate. The influential Congolese artist Chéri Samba, known for his colorful, satirical depictions of political and social life, is now part of Tate’s permanent collection. His work captures the complexity of contemporary African life, mixing humor with serious commentary. Similarly, Malian photographer Adama Kouyaté joins Tate’s ranks. His works provide a window into the cultural and social textures of West Africa. This latest acquisition reinforces the importance of the African diaspora art donation.

The scale of the gift has also had a deep, institutional impact on Tate’s curatorial team. Osei Bonsu, who is spearheading Tate Modern’s Nigerian Modernism show, has been appointed the Jorge M. Pérez Senior Curator, International Art, Africa and Diaspora.

Reflecting on the Pérez donation, Bonsu expressed his gratitude for the couple’s foresight and generosity. He emphasized how their collection will help expand Tate’s engagement with African and African Diaspora artists, bringing new insights to the museum’s visitors. “This is a truly exciting moment,” Bonsu remarked. “Their collection highlights the immense diversity of artistic practice across the continent and its diaspora, and I look forward to sharing this rich history through further exhibitions and research.”

Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez’s African Diaspora Art Donation

With this gift, Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez have once again made an indelible impact on the art world. Their contribution strengthens their commitment to expanding the narrative of contemporary art. Tate is now a platform for voices that often go unheard. This significant African Diaspora art donation secures the Tate’s position as a leader in global art presentation.