19-year-old holds maiden solo art exhibition in Abuja

A self-taught visual artist, Aishatu Tukur Buratai, has held her maiden solo art exhibition in Abuja.

The 19-year-old studies biotechnology at the Nile University, Abuja.

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Aishatu, who said her knowledge of science helps her shine light on darkness through her works, noted that with her understanding of science, she values nature and uses her works to reveal human activities that affect the natural habitat, adding that she is also considering transforming wastes “into something beautiful you’d want to keep in your homes.”

She said the theme of the exhibition, ‘A hint of yellow,’ was borne out of her constant use of yellow and red which run through most of her work. She said she loves the sun, adding that the exhibition was a culmination of over three years of hard work.  

“I love yellow because it is bright and colourful and one of my favourite pieces here is the mystic woods. Because of my love for the work, I made the mystic wood two. When I created that piece, it felt different from my other pieces so I knew I had to create another one which is something different but similar,” she said.  

She said she preferred mixed media to better capture and express her inspirations. Some of the works on display include acrylic, oil, fabric and digital art and address several issues like environmental degradation.

Despite her ‘well received’ works, she said she is still discovering her style.

“Art comes naturally to me. I plan on doing my art and also pursuing my biotechnology degree to PhD level. I am discovering my art style,” she said.

The chief host of the event Dr Manzo Ahmed described the artist as highly talented, very creative, very hard working and passionate, urging the audience to give her the required encouragement, push and support that would enable her take her works to greater heights.

The chairman of the occasion, Air Vice Marshal K. Aliyu, urged the youth to emulate the artist by focusing on their innate talents alongside their academics while he also tasked Nigerians with the need to support artists by appreciating their works.  

One of the attendees, Dr Usman Mohammed, said he was enlightened on the benefits of art on listening to the stories behind the art works.