Born in the Studio, Raised in the Classroom; The Double Life of Sade Adebowale

Sade Adebowale

Creativity comes as a discovery for some artists, while for Sade Adebowale, it was a way of life from the beginning. “Art felt as natural to me as breathing,” she recalls.

Damilola Opedun Takes Makoko to London

Image: Artwork from The Witness series, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist, Yenwa Gallery, and TAFETA London.

Nigerian visual artist Damilola Opedun is set to make his London solo debut exhibition titled The Witness. The show is hosted at TAFETA Gallery in collaboration with Yenwa Gallery. The exhibition opens with a reception on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 83 Charlotte Street, London.

In the Hands of Collins Asiegbu, Discarded Objects are Given a Second Life

(Collins Asiegbu in his studio)

In a modest studio filled with discarded machine parts, worn-out vehicle components, twisted wires and forgotten metal fragments, Nigerian sculptor Collins Asiegbu sees possibilities where others see waste.

Rome International Art Fair 2026 Set to Open in...

The 18th edition of the Rome International Art Fair opens on July 8, 2026, bringing contemporary artists from around the world to one of the Italian capital's most historic cultural venues. Organised by ITSLIQUID Group, the exhibition runs until July 19 at the ITSLIQUID Art Space, located within the renowned Palazzo Velli in Rome’s vibrant Trastevere district.

Opening at 6:00 p.m. on July 8, the fair will explore two dual themes: Mixing Identities and Future Landscapes. Through a diverse selection of painting, photography, sculpture, installation, and digital media, participating artists will examine the evolving relationship between human identity, society, and our changing environments.

By housing contemporary artistic practices within a 15th-century palace, the event creates a striking dialogue with Rome’s rich architectural heritage. According to the organisers, the exhibition aims to foster international artistic exchange while prompting audiences to reflect on how identities are shaped in an increasingly interconnected world. As a highlight of Europe's summer cultural calendar, the fair is expected to attract collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from across the globe.

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of ITSLIQUID Group / Rome International Art Fair 2026

VICAN Announces 2026 Djakou Kassi Annual Lecture Series

The Visions in Clay Artists Network (VICAN) has announced the second edition of the Djakou Kassi Annual Lecture Series, scheduled to be held virtually on June 30, 2026. The event will feature renowned ceramic artist and educator Leslie Green Guilbault as the guest speaker.

Titled "Two Practices, One Studio: Managing a Creative and Functional Body of Work Without Losing Your Voice," the lecture will explore the challenges and opportunities artists face in balancing multiple creative pursuits while maintaining a distinct artistic identity.

Organisers say the annual lecture series is designed to provide professional development opportunities for artists, ceramists, students, and cultural practitioners. Participants will gain insights into studio management, creative sustainability, and strategies for navigating both artistic and commercial aspects of contemporary practice.

The online event will take place via Zoom at 8:00 p.m. West African Time, making it accessible to audiences across Africa and beyond. Leslie Green Guilbault, known for her contributions to contemporary ceramics, is expected to share experiences from her practice and offer guidance for emerging and established artists alike.

The lecture forms part of VICAN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue, knowledge exchange, and professional growth within the ceramics community. Attendance is open to interested participants through the designated Zoom platform.