A Collaborative Clay Moulding Workshop Led by Bisila Noha
On February 13th, 2025, current resident Bisila Noha led Ile Ọkàn – A Gathering at the House of the Soul, an intimate gathering and collaborative clay moulding workshop at the G.A.S. Farm House in Ikiṣẹ. The afternoon began with a display of a locally made structure inspired by Mbari houses - distinct cultural and spiritual edifices found in Igbo land, particularly in the Owerri region and several towns in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria. These ceremonial structures serve as artistic expressions of gratitude to Ala, the Earth goddess, and other deities. Built as part of religious rituals, Mbari houses embody the rich artistic, spiritual, and communal traditions of the Igbo people.
Following the display, Bisila shared insights into the construction of the space, which she built using locally sourced bricks, bamboo, and handcrafted sculptures and tiles. She envisioned it as a spiritual, meditative, and communal environment, one that welcomes all belief systems while encouraging reflection on Nigeria’s deep-rooted traditions of religious coexistence. During her residency, she researched altars and ceramics at the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive before visiting Osun-Osogbo. She was particularly struck by how Yoruba traditions coexist with Islam and Christianity, often in harmony. This understanding shaped her approach to Ile Ọkàn, a space that pays homage to Mother Earth and to clay, reimagining its significance as a sanctuary for the soul.
The gathering culminated in a collaborative clay moulding workshop, where participants created offerings that were later placed near the structure. To conclude, they were invited inside the house to reflect and engage with the space.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 13th February, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: G.A.S. Farm House, Ecology Green Farm, Yinka Shonibare CBE Street, Off Omu Ijebu Road.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
BISILA NOHA is a Spanish-Equatoguinean London-based artist. With her work, she aims to challenge Western views on art and craft; to question what we understand as productive and worthy in capitalist societies; and to reflect upon the idea of home and oneness pulling from personal experiences in different pottery communities.
She is a storyteller with a particular interest in the contributions of women of colour to the history of art and craft. As such, her words are a bridge bringing the past —the forgotten, the belittled— to us. Her ceramics practice extends from wheel-thrown pieces to sculptures using different techniques and materials which connect her to her roots, the makers that precede her and our past.
Bisila is also involved in various social justice organisations. She leads the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre; co-directs the arts and activism organisation Lon-art Creative; and is part of the Steering Committee at Design Can.
Bisila's residency is generously supported by kó Art Space.
