Born in Ogidi, Nigeria, Nike Davies-Okundaye was trained in the traditional arts of weaving and dyeing by her great-grandmother. She gained international recognition for her dedication to preserving and modernizing indigenous Nigerian textile techniques, particularly the adire process, which involves resist-dyeing indigo patterns onto cloth.

Her work is characterized by vibrant, narrative-driven compositions that often incorporate traditional Yoruba motifs and symbols. Beyond her studio practice, she is a prominent educator and advocate for the arts, having established multiple centers in Nigeria to teach textile arts and empower local artisans.

Recent institutional interest in Nigerian modernism has further highlighted her contributions to the field. Her work is slated for inclusion in the upcoming survey of Nigerian modern art at the Tate Modern, which examines the evolution of the country's artistic production throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.