Get Guardian on GoogleThe Sculptors Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has held its fourth Biennial Sculpture Exhibition at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. The show opened on Sunday, October 25, 2026, and ran until October 31, featuring more than 40 sculptors from Nigeria and beyond.
Rotimi George-Taylor declared the show open, showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary sculptures by established and emerging artists.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Rotimi George-Taylor expressed admiration for the quality of the works and the artists’ mastery of materials and creative expression. He described artists as a rare species of humanity and their practice as a “sacred calling.”
The opening attracted art collectors, practitioners and enthusiasts, including Mrs. Eyamba Dafinone. A major highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the 10 finalists and prizes to the top three winners of ScAN’s maiden Young Sculptors Competition (YSC).
Established by the current Executive Council as part of the 2026 International Sculpture Day celebrations, the initiative is designed to identify, promote and mentor emerging sculptural talent.
Participating artists included Ato Arinze, President of ScAN; Adeola Balogun, Norbert Okpu, Asemota Izebvigie, Prof. John Adenle, Dr. Kenneth Njoku, JunkmanfromAfrica (Prof. Dilomprizulike), Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Juliet Ezenwa and several other notable sculptors.
Daniel Ellias Mbamalu, a sculpture graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, emerged as the overall winner. Joseph Olabisi came second, while Christiana Odunayo B. took third place. The other finalists were Darlington Okoroafor, Elisha Ayodeji, Ebunyebe Kings, Oluwatoyin Christiana, Luqman Balogun, Azeez Daniel and Udoh Godwin P.
The virtual competition attracted more than 100 sculptures. Of these, 64 entries from 37 applicants were shortlisted, including an entry from Mozambique. All 10 finalists received certificates, while the top three winners received cash prizes and award plaques.
The exhibition also featured a gallery talk facilitated by Prof. Dilomprizulike (Junkman from Africa) on the topic “Vandalisation, Stealing, Neglect and Other Forms of Abuse of Public Sculptures.”
The discussion highlighted the need for greater public awareness and institutional commitment to protecting and preserving public sculptures. Also present was Otunba Olojo Kosoko, Lagos State Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).
Speaking on the success of the show, ScAN President, Ato Arinze, described this year’s edition of Now Sculpture as particularly inspiring, noting that it recorded the highest participation since the inception of the biennial exhibition.
He also emphasised that the Young Sculptors Competition was created to give emerging artists visibility, recognition and a sense of belonging within the Association. He expressed appreciation to Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Dr. Olushola Kukoyi and himself for contributing to the funding of the winners’ cash prizes.
The successful exhibition further demonstrates ScAN’s commitment to promoting sculpture, encouraging artistic excellence and creating opportunities for emerging sculptors to thrive within Nigeria’s art community and beyond.
