The de Young Museum in San Francisco has opened The Gathering, the first solo museum exhibition in the United States by Nigerian artist Nengi Omuku. Running from June 27, 2026, through May 14, 2028, the exhibition presents eight recent paintings alongside works from the museum’s historic African art collection, creating a dialogue between contemporary and traditional artistic expression.
A Conversation Between Past and Present
Rather than presenting her paintings in isolation, the exhibition places Omuku’s work among sculptures and textiles from the de Young’s African galleries. This curatorial approach encourages visitors to consider how artistic traditions continue to influence modern creative practices.
According to Natasha Becker, curator of African Art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the exhibition demonstrates how contemporary African artists draw on cultural heritage while responding to present-day social realities. By pairing new works with historical objects, the show highlights shared themes of community, resilience, and imagination.
A Distinctive Artistic Medium
One of the defining features of Omuku’s work is her use of Sanyan, a handwoven Yoruba textile traditionally associated with ceremonial clothing. Instead of painting on conventional canvas, she applies oil paint directly to the fabric, allowing its texture and history to become part of each composition.
Omuku has explained that she first embraced Sanyan while studying in England, using the material as a way to maintain a connection to her Nigerian identity during years spent away from home. The textile has since become a signature element of her artistic practice.
Landscapes That Carry Deeper Meaning
At first glance, the paintings feature lush gardens, flowers, rivers, and peaceful natural settings. Yet beneath these tranquil scenes are reflections on social and political realities, particularly the emotional impact of instability and uncertainty.
Omuku has said that her creative process evolved over time. Rather than focusing solely on hardship, she became increasingly interested in depicting places of comfort, healing, and possibility. Nature became both a visual subject and a metaphor for emotional renewal, offering an alternative way to explore complex issues through art.
Inspiration from Claude Monet
Visitors familiar with Claude Monet may notice similarities in Omuku’s vibrant color palettes and attention to natural landscapes. The artist has credited seeing Monet’s Water Lilies during a residency in France with changing her perspective on painting flowers and gardens.
That experience encouraged her to view nature not as decorative subject matter but as a meaningful way to address broader human experiences. The connection is especially timely, as the de Young is also exhibiting Monet and Venice during part of the exhibition’s opening period.
A Long-Term Addition to the Museum
With a nearly two-year run extending into 2028, The Gathering offers visitors ample opportunity to experience Omuku’s work within the broader context of African artistic traditions. The exhibition reflects the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s continued effort to showcase contemporary voices while expanding conversations around African art and its global influence.
