Modupeola Fadugba (b. 1985 in Lomé, Togo) is a Nigerian multi-media artist whose practice involves painting, drawing, and socially engaged installation. The self-taught artist comfortably inhabits the nexus of many disciplines. She holds a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware, a Master's in Economics from the University of Delaware, and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University. Modupeola’s artworks explore cultural identity, social justice, game theory, and the art world within the socio-political landscape of Nigeria and our greater global economy. Fadugba’s recent practice researches reflection to represent the act of introspection and embarking on an inner journey.
Solo Exhibitions include (Upcoming) Norval Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa (2026); (Upcoming) Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, West Palm Beach, USA (2025); Of Movement, Materials and Methods, Gallery 1957, London, UK (2025); Keeping Time, Gallery 1957, Accra, Ghana (2024-2025); Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, USA (2024); Why Nations Win, ALÁRA, Lagos, Nigeria (2021); Dreams from the Deep End, Gallery 57, Accra, Ghana (2019); Dreams from the Deep End, New York, USA (2018); Heads Up, Keep Swimming, Temple Muse, Lagos, Nigeria (2017); Synchronised Swimming & Drowning, Ed Cross Fine Art, London, UK (2017); Prayers, Players & Swimmers, Cité international des arts, Paris, France (2017).
Group Exhibitions include (Upcoming) Museum of West African Art, Benin City, Nigeria (2025); EXPO Chicago, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Chicago, IL (2025); At the Fair, Powerhouse Arts, New York (2025); Times Before the Conductor Fair, Powerhouse Arts, New York, USA (2025); RA Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK (2025); Strategic Interpplay, Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio, USA (2025); Constellations, London, UK (2024); Frieze Art Fair, Korea (2024); 1-54 Art Fair, London, UK (2024); Filling in the Pieces in Black, presented by Maruani Mercier, curated by June Sarpong OBE, Saatchi Gallery, London, UK (2023); Filling in the Pieces in Black, curated by June Sarpong OBE, Maruani Mercier, Brussels, Belgium (2023); The Armory Show, kó Gallery, New York, USA (2023); Dubai Art Fair, Gallery 1957, Dubai, UAE (2022); RA Summer Exhibition, London, UK (2017); Afriques Capitales, Gare Saint Sauveur, Lille, France (2017); Dak’art, Dakar Biennale, Dakar, Senegal (2016); The Art Energy, London, UK (2015).
Highlights and Collections:
Modupeola Fadugba is the winner of the 2025 Norval Prize. In 2024, she completed the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship in South Africa & England. Her work continues to receive international recognition, including a New York Emmy Award in 2022 for the documentary video accompanying Dreams from the Deep End, which captures her painting NYC’s only African American synchronized swim team of senior citizens, the Harlem honeys and Bears. Fadugba has held esteemed residencies, including the Smithsonian Institution Research Fellowship and Headlands Centre for the Arts in 2020, as well as the International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York in 2018. Her works are featured in national and international auctions and are part of over 70 private collections worldwide, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the University of Delaware, the Sindika Dokolo Foundation Collection, and the collection of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Earlier in her career, The People’s Algorithm was awarded El Anatsui’s Outstanding Production Prize and the Dakar Biennale Grand Prize from Senegal’s Minister of Communication in 2016. Her work has been featured at the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio, US.