Endless possibilities: when artists defy many odds
By ACETNews
The giant size banner speaks volume of the size and calibre of artists on show. Every available space outdoor- wall, car park, fence and other standing pillars carry different sizes of banner heralding the opening of a group exhibition tagged Endless Possibilities. Venue was Quintessence Gallery on Victoria Island, Lagos.
From blending realistic depictions with expressive element incorporating natural elements and themes, commenting on social issues to style that revolves around semi-abstract, abstract and experimentation while drawing inspiration from nature, human experiences, culture and heritage.
Others through use of forms and shapes express different ideas in bronze, bonded stone cast, mixed-media, and metal fabrication to capture the shifting but evolving trends in the creative industry. Like the 12 disciples, their homilies or offerings remain inelastic and enduring. Welcome to Endless Possibilities, a group art exhibition that ran from July 18th to August 1st at the Quintessence Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The group exhibition did not only capture the creative prowess of the 12 master artists who are not limited by any medium or style, but also reveals the constantly evolving methods and approaches to their creativity. In sync with the exhibition title, each artist communicates ideas, evokes emotions and explores aesthetic beauty through their media. Collectively, the group offered a potpourri of artworks that speak to different issues. It also confirms the manifestation of the limitless possibilities at the disposal of the artists, some who demonstrate deep understanding and application of varied materials in production of artworks.
The exhibiting artists are B.B. Babatunde, Ato Arinze, Aina Felix, Adebimpe Adebambo, Kafaru Abiodun, Mokayi Olusegun, Desmond Dubre, Henry Unuigboje, Ankeli Christopher, Olumide Oladiran, Idowu Sonaya, and Sylvester Aigbogun. These are not just artists. They are vibrant and tested artists with a rich trajectory of practice since leaving arts schools decades ago.
One interesting thing about the exhibition is the rich but diverse backgrounds and persuasions of the 12 artists, which reflect strongly on the quality of the works. From colourful paintings to evocative mixed media, stylised ceramic wares as well as products of material experimentation and contemporary sculptural expression, Endless Possibilities is indeed a bundle of choices for collectors.
A cursory view of the collection reveals a dominance of artworks that are skewed towards image-centred-symbols as against the fewer concept-centred. Little wonder the prevalence of old common themes peculiar to Nigerian exhibition scene. However, some of the works get skillful touch and re-interpretation of these themes.
Adebambo, the only female artist among the 12, makes a strong return to the exhibition circuit with her colourful artworks after some years of hiatus. Her off-the-exhibition scene period got her involved in art reporting, fashion, costume design, animation among others. All this has impacted in her subtle but provocative paintings, which include Sunset on Meadows, Blooming in adversity, and Surf and Waves.
For Unuigboje, he creates works that explore resilience, identity, movement, and the possibilities within the human experience using bronze, bonded stone cast and mixed media. His Resurgence and Unleash re-surge pieces stand out in the pack.
Refreshing the viewers’ memories of the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament in US, Sylvester Aigbogun’s Winning Mentality and Tropical Vibes are timely tribute to the eventual winner of the world cup, the Spanish national football team. Though the images are stylized, but the message is Arinze, who is a strong voice in the sculptors’ circle, shows series of ceramic wares that include Rooted in hope, Still standing, Crimson monolith vessel, Crimson monolith rich land, and Echoes of connections 1 and 11. His wares are not just decorative or utility based, but as vessels for commenting on social issues. He blends realistic depictions with expressive elements while incorporating natural elements and themes.
According to the curator of the exhibition, Idowu Sonaya, Endless Possibilities represents absolute potential, boundless opportunity and the freedom to explore different directions without predefined limits or restrictions.
To him, it captures the creative prowess of the 12 master artists that are being featured in the exhibition. “These are masters that are not limited by any medium, style or technique in their creative endeavours. They are always evolving and open to explore their creative horizons as they unfold. These qualities are evident in the works of the 12 master artists featuring in this group exhibition,” he added.
No doubt, with this show, there is certainly no end to possibilities, but many of the artworks are crying for breathing space. There is an obvious competition for attention between the artworks and the gallery’s permanent items for sale, leaving many lost in the crowd.
