From the Kano arts exhibition

The exhibition, according to the organizers, is aimed at showcasing the hidden Kano artists with emphasis on contemporary arts.  Ironically, while they are not so popular within the state, these artists have recognition in other parts, especially the south, where arts exhibitions are given priority. On this, Dr Bello Sule, President of Kano Heritage Society, […]

The exhibition, according to the organizers, is aimed at showcasing the hidden Kano artists with emphasis on contemporary arts.  Ironically, while they are not so popular within the state, these artists have recognition in other parts, especially the south, where arts exhibitions are given priority. On this, Dr Bello Sule, President of Kano Heritage Society, said a number of the artists have exhibited their talents at several exhibitions in Nigeria and other places like  Europe, Asia, America and some countries of Africa where they won awards, commendations, accolades and have commanded respect for their excellent displays.

He said it is in line with their silent achievements that the exhibition was organized so as to promote their works. More importantly, he said, the exposition is a medium through which their art works will reflect and communicate various aspects of the rich Hausa cultural endowments while also serving as inspiration to the younger ones and future artists in the state.

On his part, Director of the Goethe-Institut, Frank Roger, said the arts exhibition was born as a result of the notable decline in Hausa tradition over time and thus the institute believed such an exhibition could help preserve the rich cultural heritage of the north with Kano as the cornerstone. The great exhibition according to Mr. Roger was a long term plan which was conceived since 2008 when the Liaison office of the Goethe-Institut was inaugurated in Kano.

The exhibition which started on Tuesday 19th January will run through to Sunday, 7th February 2010 and since it started, a number of people ranging from students, representatives of arts organizations and admirers have been trooping in to view the works. Among the artists whose works are on display are Aminu Adamu, Sulaiman Baba Kusa, Ali Bature, Kaltume Gana, Salisu Kofarmata and Sani Zango. Some of these artists spoke on the exhibition.

For Kaltume Gana, the response has been overwhelming. “Honestly, I feel so proud being part of this exhibition and more interesting is the turnout of people which is simply overwhelming. I never knew that the people of Kano and their friends are true lovers of arts, most of them can’t just hold back their excitement about the whole thing, they wonder about the creativity in Kano and they make suggestions on how we could forward more of such talents while they give a lot of commendations,” she said.

On what it feels like being an artist, the proud painter said, “It is very difficult for me to speak about my paintings because the act of putting together words only explains and cannot make real the experience”.

Among her works displayed at the exhibition is the painting of Gidan Dan Hausa, the building of the state’s history and culture bureau, painting of Fura da nono, Gwari Lady on silk painting and mother and child on marbled paper.

Kaltume was awarded best Fine Arts student at Queen’s Collage, Lagos in 1981 as well as other awards. She was honoured for cultural development in Kano in 1997. She has attended a number of similar exhibitions both within and outside the country.

Sani Zango also spoke to Sunday Trust. “The greatest thing I have made out of the exhibition is proving to the world that contrary to the view held by many that northerners are backward in terms of appreciating intellectual artistic abilities, Kano artists have made it clear that we admire and appreciate arts just as it is appreciated in other parts of the country and the world at large,” he said.

His driving force according to him is simply to “think of a canvas as mirror of your emotions”. He is a recipient of the National Productivity Merit Award, 1991, NCAC productivity award (best visual arts staff), 1992 and NCAC productivity award (overall best senior staff) among other awards. His works at the exhibition include, Durba race, Hamlet, Mai fura, Gobal Tech, Fulani heritage, Pussy Cat, Dog and Allahu Akbar, all on oil and canvass. There w with some others paintings with water colours.

Suleiman Baba Kusa who is an expert in ceramics making said he is impressed by the way people find the talents displayed in making ceramics unbelievable. “The peculiarity of ceramics is the way and process of its making. I am particularly delighted by the way people admire the ceramics which are made from ordinary clay. Many even thought the works are imported and when I explain the processes involved, they become overwhelmed by the creativity.”

Among his awards are the award of honour for best overall student in OND (art and design) and award honours for the overall best student in HND (Ceramics). He is very proud contributing to the culture of Hausaland through his arts. His works are identified by the slogan, “A Touch of Culture”. He took part in a number of exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad. His ceramic works at the exhibition comprise of dome (lampshade), northern culture (bisc halfly glazed), storage pot, flower vases shapes and sizes, wax plate (glazed) and global design (bisc) among others.

A nature enthusiast who exhibits that through his creativity is Ali Bature. He, like other artists gracing the exhibition, won several awards including, winner of the national entry and third position at the United Nations Arts Competition  1988, Kano civil service awards, 2005 and knight of the order of art and letters, Republic of France in 2007. His guiding principle is, “God the utmost beauty loves beauty”. He reflected that through his paintings of the butterfly III, the 4 say and the new order, all in gouache.  

Salisu Kofarmata is also displaying his talents believing that he was born an artist and therefore does it to his best. For him, “arts like artefacts provide living proofs for every cultural identity. Creativity is a gift of God. God’s given creative powers are meant to serve humanity.”

He had attended a number of arts exhibitions in Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Gambia to mention a few. Among his drawings on exhibition are Mai nono 1 and 2, Yoruba Dance, Atilegu Dance, Gwari Woman, Flight of the Shepherd, Flight of the Flutist, Dangaruwa, Gwari Woman among others. His works are mostly in mixed media and water colour.

Aminu Adamu was also there as an artist, a touch of culture keeps him moving in his little world of arts. Among his works are a Symbol of Contentment on mixed media, My Ancient City, Allo, Shantu, Candle Lamp, one family, Tulu and Goro (colanut) drawn in pencil.

 “Organizing the exhibition is one of the greatest thing anyone could do to contribute to arts development in the north,” he said.

Aisha Sani is a student that went to see for herself. She said, “I am impressed by the talents displayed and honestly I never knew that we have such artists in Kano. They have proved to be so intelligent”.

Usman Abubakar was also there, he said, “I am amazed by the exhibition and I urge the organizers to put in place such in future as it will encourage our talented young ones to develop their talents in arts.”