For the first time in its history, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is showcasing a solo exhibition by an African artist.
Nigerian painter John Madu unveiled his “Paint Your Path” collection on Friday, presenting 10 new works inspired by Vincent van Gogh.
The series explores themes of identity, migration, and cultural dialogue, with one standout painting featuring a man absorbed in a book of Japanese prints, a plastic chair in the corner, and a Nigerian passport resting on the table. These pieces were created over just three months in Madu’s Lagos studio, each responding to one of seven Van Gogh masterpieces.
“Before I even knew Van Gogh’s name, I was drawn to his work,” Madu recalled, referencing his childhood fascination with his father’s calendars adorned with Impressionist art. “Van Gogh stood out to me — the yellows, the swirls, the brushwork.”
Madu reinterprets Van Gogh’s visual language using familiar African motifs. For instance, the artist’s iconic wooden chair is transformed into a common white plastic seat seen across the continent. Sometimes the chair takes centre stage, and at other times, it appears as part of a figure, resembling Madu himself, walking into a Provençal café bathed in Van Gogh’s characteristic yellow.
“I wanted to honour this master whom I admire,” Madu explained. “To connect, I matched the brushwork and colour palette. It needed to feel cohesive — like it all belonged together.”
This exhibition is not Madu’s first foray into reimagining Western art. His past work draws influence from Gustav Klimt, Edward Hopper, and Norman Rockwell.
The project was co-commissioned by Beeldbrekers (“Image Breakers”)—a group of young adults working with the museum to broaden representation and inclusivity in its programming. They aim to bring more diverse voices into spaces traditionally dominated by European art.
Himaya Ayo, a 22-year-old member of the group, described the experience as deeply meaningful. “To see an African artist featured like this is powerful,” she said. “When I heard about the opportunity, I signed up straight away. It’s an amazing and historic moment to be part of.”
