Acrylic on canvas.
31.25x47.20"
A portrait of a Northern Nigerian bride showcasing the traditional and cultural elements that define her bridal attire and appearance. These elements include:
1. Traditional Clothing: The Northern Nigerian bride would typically wear a beautifully crafted traditional attire known as the Kamu or Kutijen which is made from high-quality hand woven fabric, adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments in vibrant colors such as red, gold, and royal blue.
2. Headgear: A significant part of the bride's ensemble is the elaborate headgear, known as a "Zalli or Gele," which is skillfully wrapped around her head. The gele is often made from a matching fabric and is intricately woven to create a stunning and elegant look.
3. Jewelry: The bride would wear a range of exquisite jewelry pieces, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. These jewelry pieces are traditionally made from gold and adorned with precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, or pearls.
Artwork comes Ready to Hang!
Taiwo is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Ottawa Canada. She is recognized for her portraits of Black women where she explores themes of culture, identity and representation. Her inspirations stem from her deep-rooted African heritage and its unique fashion elements. She grew up inspired by the African woman’s strength, beauty, richness of her brown skin and above all, the grace to look elegant and unscathed in midst of chaos; "this I want to share with the world".
Taiwo has exhibited her works at the Ottawa Art Gallery, The Black Visual Arts Exhibition (The Black London Project). She has collaborated with the London Arts Council on the London Arts Live project to entertain, educate and create cultural awareness through live art performances within the city of London, Ontario-Canada.
She was selected as a featured artist two years in a row - 2021 & 2022 at the UpWithArt / Unity Project annual fundraiser, where her artworks were auctioned and the proceeds directed towards the relief of homelessness in London, Ontario.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
The intention of the art that I create is to edify the Black woman; showcase her strength, beauty, and ability to remain elegant and unscathed in the face of challenges.
I also use art as a medium to document Yoruba history for my daughters, because in knowing their history- they can fall in love with themselves and grow up to be confident Black women.
I hope my art makes space, holds space and validates my girls, black girls and black women.
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