Recently, the British Council Abuja became a hub of artistic energy as it hosted the Kaduna Fashion and Art Exhibition (KAFART) Pop-Up Exhibition, a vibrant showcase of contemporary African creativity.
Held in partnership with the British Council, this unique event followed the success of the 5th edition of KAFART Exhibition in 2024 and brought together a diverse group of artists, designers, performers, and culture shapers for a day filled with exhibitions, conversation, and community.
The pop-up celebrated works from previous KAFART editions while introducing fresh voices and perspectives. From emerging talents to mid-career artists, the gathering featured some of the most exciting creatives working across Northern Nigeria and beyond. It provided a space not just for exhibition, but for meaningful exchange, where peers could learn from each other, share ideas, and spark collaborations.
Among the standout participants were Wakrot Chinshaka, Zainab Gidado, Jenom Martins, Samira Mohammed, and Hafseigh Sani Sami. These artists, each with a distinct voice and practice, showcased work that was deeply rooted in personal experience, community history, and cultural storytelling. Their pieces ranged from experimental mixed media to powerful visuals shaped by tradition, identity, and social commentary.
These creatives are proving to be powerful voices and emerging leaders in their fields. Through bold experimentation, consistent engagement with their communities, and a commitment to storytelling, they are not only creating compelling work but also shaping conversations around contemporary African art. Their practices reflect a deep awareness of context and history while pushing boundaries of form and expression, inspiring both peers and audiences alike.
What made the event particularly memorable was the artist-led conversation around the creative process. Titled “Tracing Process”, this open discussion brought together artists at different stages of their careers to reflect on the motivations, challenges, and inspirations behind their work. It was an intimate, honest dialogue where artists explored what drives them to create, what stories they aim to tell, and how their practices continue to evolve in today’s rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Wakrot Chinshaka offered insight into his process of layering memory and material to create textured abstract works, while Zainab Gidado spoke of the importance of cultural preservation and personal identity in her art. Jenom Martins discussed how urban life influences his vibrant, youth-driven visuals, and Samira Mohammed delved into the use of fabric and performance as tools of resistance and reclamation. Hafseigh Sani Sami reflected on her minimalist style and how it invites deeper reflection on space, presence, and meaning.
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The conversation was more than a panel; it was a living exchange of ideas, a moment of peer-to-peer learning that underscored the essence of KAFART’s mission: to create space for creatives to grow, connect, and imagine new paths together. The day was filled with inspiring interactions between artists, collectors, curators, and cultural enthusiasts, highlighting the strength and depth of the creative community in Nigeria.
The KAFART Pop-Up was not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a bold step forward. It reminded everyone present that contemporary African art is not confined to conventional spaces; it lives and breathes wherever people come together to express, to challenge, and to create. The artists showcased are not only participating in the movement, they are shaping it, leading it, and ensuring its continued evolution on their own terms.
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