Ceramicist Lipoklemla Ao at work, shaping art from clay.
Kanili Kiho
Dimapur | February 19
A group of Andretta artists will showcase their ceramic works at the Art Gallery, India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi, starting February 20.
Titled—A Path to Andretta, the exhibition will celebrate the village’s rich artistic legacy, showcasing works by its artists, potters, printmakers, and musicians.
Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Himalayas, Andretta is a small village in Himachal Pradesh known for its vibrant art scene, beyond its scenic beauty. It has long been home to a thriving artist community, nurturing generations of creatives, including renowned figures such as Padma Shri Sardar Gurcharan Singh, Sobha Singh, and BC Sanyal.
In the 1980s, Mansimran and Mary Singh established the Andretta Pottery Studio as a space for learning, teaching, and exploring the craft of pottery. Over the past four decades, it has attracted students, artists, and enthusiasts—many of whom have chosen to settle in the village and become part of its creative society.
Among the artists selected for the exhibition is Nagaland’s own ceramicist, Lipoklemla Ao. With nearly a decade of experience in pottery, Lipok discovered her passion for wheel throwing at Delhi Blue Pottery. Through dedicated practice, she has honed her skills, specialising in crafting functional pieces while also pushing the boundaries of conventional ceramic art.
She now runs her own pottery studio, ‘Otsü,’ in the serene village of Andretta—a dream destination for any creative soul seeking an art form. She envisions it as a sanctuary for those eager to explore creativity and experimentation through the timeless beauty of handmade pottery.
Speaking with The Morung Express ahead of the event, Lipok shared her excitement about the show, where she will exhibit her exquisite teapots, women figurines, Invisible Loop, and more. With a playful remark, she hinted that she wouldn’t reveal everything just yet.
Organised by the IIC, the exhibition will be held at the centre’s Art Gallery, Kamladevi Complex. It is curated by Sarover Zaidi, a philosopher and social anthropologist, alongside Akanksha Maglani, a museum professional and architect.
The extensively curated show will feature the works of Andretta’s vibrant artists, including Mansimran Singh, Mary Singh, Gauri Sharma, Shiela Sedgwick, Lipoklemla Ao, Shubham Sankhyan, Yamini J Paul, Bianca Ballantyne, Shuchika Rathod and Arjun Sen.
Reflecting on her journey, Lipok shared that she never quite found artistic comfort in Nagaland, where societal constraints can sometimes feel limiting.
For her, pottery serves as a medium for translating emotions and narratives—each piece becoming a vessel that carries stories, inviting viewers to engage with the intricate interplay of form and feeling.
Her residency programme at Otsü is open to all ages, attracting graduates and individuals seeking a lifestyle change. The studio also hosts international students, with affordability being a key factor.
The studio name ‘Otsü’ meaning ‘story’ in the Ao Naga language encapsulates the artist’s belief that clay is a profound medium for telling stories.
While acknowledging the immense talent in Nagaland, Lipok believes that the state still lacks foundational support for the craft. Issues such as a limited market, transportation challenges, lack of awareness about ceramics, and weak work ethics hinder its growth. She hopes young people will dare to dream big and seek opportunities beyond their comfort zones.
Her work reflects an intentional balance between restraint and fluidity, with curves that flow seamlessly to evoke a sense of spontaneity. Each creation embodies meticulous craftsmanship, maintaining a delicate harmony between the perfection of an idea and the natural limitations of the medium—shaped by the maker’s distinct touch.
Before delving into ceramics, Lipok spent nearly a decade in the corporate sector. With a master’s degree in literature and experience as an educator, she seamlessly integrates her past expertise into her current role as a pottery instructor. The exhibition will run from February 20 to March 7.
