A politician, philanthropist, humanitarian, creative cook, mass communicator fashionista, artist, Jamila Zanna Muhammad has been painting on fabrics for almost 28 years and occasionally does some canvas paintings.
The coronavirus lockdown sparked her inspiration to embark on full-time acrylic and oil canvas and mixed medium paintings on canvas and she not only loves it but is obsessed and passionate in expressing her love and understanding of humanity and her environment.
Jamila’s paintings are abstract and metaphysical with deep linkage between what we are and what we ought to be, what we are and what we wish to be. With the overall expression of our common humanity.
Jamila is a member of the Rochester and West Kent Art Society and has exhibited numerous times with co-Artists in the United Kingdom.
Presentation & Exhibition: The Legacy of Nigerian Gele Headwraps in Art
In the bustling markets of Lagos, where colours collide and voices harmonize, there exists a
tradition that transcends mere fabric and thread. It’s the gele, a headwrap that weaves
together centuries of culture, pride, and artistry. Imagine a vibrant kaleidoscope perched
atop a woman’s head, each fold telling a story—a story of resilience, beauty, and heritage.
The gele isn’t merely a fashion trend; it’s a legacy. It whispers stories of grandmothers
teaching their daughters the art of wrapping, of laughter echoing through crowded market
stalls, of weddings where gele-clad women dance under the African sun. It’s a nod to
ancestors who wore their pride on their heads, defying adversity with elegance.
Art has always been a means by which humans have expressed themselves even before
words were invented to suit such purpose. From the paintings in the caves of the primitive
men to the magnificent artistry that accompanied the era of the Renaissance; art has proven
to be an extraordinary medium by which the history and legacy of the human race is
preserved and passed down to future generations. We have used music, poetry, regalia and
many more art forms to express the uniqueness of our individual cultures and cultural values
and to communicate our hopes and despair.
It is in view of this year’s theme that we indulge every participant and observer to re-explore
the contribution of African art and culture and the impact it has and will continue to have on
the legacy of art as an enterprise. One of such cultural and artistic statements is the head
tie/gear or turban which is known by different names by different African cultures.
In Nigeria the “head tie” is known by the 3 major ethnic groups; the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba
as “Danwakili”,”Ichafu” and “Gele” respectively. It captures centuries of social and cultural
evolution and integration. It represents the beauty, diversity and resilience of the African
culture.