The ECHOES IN CLAY : New Hands, New Possibilities exhibition organised by Visions in Clay Artists Network unfolded as more than a gathering of ceramic artists inside Fobally Art Gallery, Lekki – Lagos. The exhibition became a moment of reflection, renewal, and recognition within Nigeria’s growing clay community. With 29 artists showcasing 30 sculptural works, the atmosphere at Fobally Art Gallery pulsed with conversation and creative energy. From the arrival of young makers eager for guidance to the quiet authority of masters who shaped the field, the event revealed the layers of collaboration, mentorship, and vision shaping today’s ceramic landscape.

What follows are key highlights that capture the spirit, significance, and quiet triumphs of this memorable exhibition. Each point distills a part of the story of people, works, institutions, and the shared belief in clay’s enduring power to connect.

Words Ireho Aito | Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger! Photographs courtesy Ato Arinze/VICAN library

A Warm Gathering Rooted in Community

The exhibition brought together 29 artists from across Nigeria, filling Fobally Art Gallery with a rare sense of kinship. From student potters to seasoned sculptors, VICAN’s intergenerational network came alive, sharing ideas, embracing new voices, and celebrating clay as a language that binds.

Ato Arinze’s Quiet, Powerful Presence

The evening carried extra weight with the presence of master sculptor Ato Arinze. His appearance with exhibiting artists became a symbolic passing of the torch. After 25 years of nurturing young ceramicists and sculptors, he affirmed that “new hands are ready,” underscoring the show’s theme.

Thirty Works, Thirty Stories

The gallery space held 30 sculptural forms ranging from bold abstractions to intricately rendered figurative pieces. Textured surfaces evoked ancient earth traditions, while fluid contemporary forms explored memory, identity, and resilience. The diversity reflected the evolving possibilities of clay in today’s art landscape.

A Chorus of Generations

The curatorial statement, “a chorus of generations speaking one timeless language: clay,” defined the heart of the exhibition. Young dreamers, guest artists, and masters stood side by side, demonstrating clay’s power to bridge experience, culture, and technique. The presence of guest artists like Akanni Kehinde, Chris Ekuafeh, Dare Adenuga, and Madeleine Tchabong enriched the visual dialogue with varied aesthetic approaches.

Spotlight on VICAN’s Growing Influence

Beyond the artworks, the exhibition highlighted the rise of VICAN as a continental force. From its early days as a WhatsApp forum in 2018 to its partnerships with Artdiscourse, CORA, Kaabo Clay Collective, Da Loam in Austria, and Ecobank PLC, the network now stands at the center of a renewed ceramics movement connecting Nigeria to the global clay community.

Fobally Art Gallery’s Role and Folasade Abiola’s Support
The exhibition also highlighted the growing impact of Fobally Art Gallery under the leadership of its Creative Director, Mrs. Folasade Abiola. Her commitment to nurturing ceramic artists by providing space, visibility, and encouragement has made the gallery a vital hub for clay-based practice in Nigeria. Her support for “ECHOES IN CLAY: New Hands, New Possibilities,” reinforced the gallery’s role as a platform where emerging talents and masters can create, connect, and grow.