Fobally Gallery Showcases Art Teachers’ Creative Power in ‘Breathtaking’ Exhibition

Yinka Olatunbosun

In a society where art education is often overlooked, a new exhibition in Lagos is shifting attention back to the people quietly shaping Nigeria’s creative future — art teachers.

Art teachers in Nigeria are stepping out of the classroom and into the spotlight as Fobally Art World Africa prepares to host the third edition of its Art Teachers Exhibition, themed “Breathtaking.”

Scheduled to run from May 2 to 16, 2026, the two-week group exhibition will bring together 71 artworks by art educators drawn from tertiary institutions and secondary schools across the country. The exhibition will be held at the gallery’s space in Lekki, Lagos, offering art lovers a rare opportunity to experience the creative depth of those shaping the next generation of artists.

At its core, the exhibition seeks to question and highlight the role of art teachers in sustaining Nigeria’s art industry, while also projecting them as practicing artists with strong creative identities.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Creative Director of the gallery, Abiola Folasade, described the exhibition as a meeting point of educators who have quietly served as the backbone of African art development.
“This exhibition is the convergence of art educators in Nigeria… It’s a celebration of their artistic journeys and their commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives,” she said.

The exhibition presents a wide range of styles and media from paintings and drawings to photography and digital art, reflecting the diversity of artistic expression among teachers. Beyond aesthetics, it also explores how teaching and professional practice intersect, showing that creativity does not end in the classroom but continues to evolve.
For many participants, the exhibition is also a response to long-standing challenges in art education. According to Augustine Ekhaiyeme, CEO of Cultural Arts Academy, the initiative was born out of a need to address the neglect of arts in society and the struggles faced by art teachers.

“We saw a need in the industry, society does not encourage arts. Many artists had to leave out of frustration,” he explained. “This exhibition is a way of saying, even though you are teaching, don’t devalue your craft.”
Ekhaiyeme noted that the first edition of the exhibition was held at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in Lekki, with subsequent editions expanding in scope and participation. This year’s edition features about 25 exhibiting teachers and artists, each bringing unique perspectives and techniques.

Also lending his voice, Assam Victor, the exhibition coordinator and a sculptor, stressed the historical importance of art teachers in Nigeria’s creative landscape.

“Most of the masters in this industry were teachers,” he said, referencing icons like Pa Fasuyi and Bruce Onobrakpeya. “This exhibition is to bring that reality to the front and show that those in the classroom are highly skilled professionals shaping the future.”

Victor himself will present works including Yemoja (I & II series) and Dreams, a sculpture crafted from kitchen utensils, reflecting his distinctive artistic approach.

Among other highlights is One–Many Breaths, a thought-provoking piece by Kehinde Hassan Shobukonla of Mountain Top University. Inspired by motherhood, the work explores themes of shared existence, identity, and continuity through interconnected forms.

For Shobukonla, the exhibition offers more than visibility. It is a platform for collaboration and mentorship. “I want to connect with fellow art teachers and also present my students on the same platform,” he said, describing the opportunity as both rare and inspiring.

Another exhibiting artist, Kazeem Mumin, challenged the stereotype that art teachers are less capable than full-time studio artists.

“There is this notion that if you are teaching, you cannot compete,” he said. “This exhibition proves that being an art teacher does not limit your excellence.”

Mumin will showcase works such as Repose and Evening Glance, drawing from semi-abstract expressions rooted in African symbols and personal emotion. Other artists expected to feature in the exhibition include Ibrahim Quadri Brainq, Olugbesan Mololuwa, Odwaiye Peace, and Victor Akpan, further enriching the diversity and depth of the showcase.

Beyond individual stories, Breathtaking presents a larger narrative, one that redefines the identity of art teachers as both educators and active contributors to the art ecosystem. It shows that teaching itself is a creative act, grounded in dialogue, reflection, and continuous growth.

The exhibition is open to collectors, students, and enthusiasts to interact with the bodies of work and rediscover the artistic voices shaping Nigeria’s cultural future.