Kokab’s House Holds Fourth Art Exhibition in Abuja

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Kokab’s House of Art has announced that its fourth art exhibition which is holding in Abuja is scheduled to take place between November 2nd and 9th.

The founder and curator of the exhibition, Mrs. Kokab Farrukh, while addressing a press conference on Thursday in Abuja said this year’s edition tagged, “Art Inspirit” aims to explore the interplay between nature, humanity, and creativity through a collection of works by four of Kokab’s most promising students.

She added that the exhibition would take place at Kokab’s studio space at 54, Mike Akhigbe Way, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.

Farrukh stated: “Over the course of seven days, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic expressions across various media, including painting, sculpture, textile, and photography.”

“The exhibition is built around two thematic pillars: Serenity, Solitude, and Nature – A visual celebration of nature’s calm, serene, and soothing aspects. Attendees can expect to see vibrant landscape paintings, monochromatic photography, and minimalist sculptures that capture the essence of nature’s stillness.

“Humanity, Actions, and Nature – An introspective exploration of the connections between humans, emotions, and the environment. Through thought-provoking installations, the young artists reflect on humanity’s role in conservation and the intricate relationship between our actions and the natural world.”

Farrukh noted that Kokab’s House of Art believes in nurturing creativity and encouraging young minds to express themselves.

According to her, This exhibition is more than just a showcase; it’s an opportunity for our students to share their vision with the community, to inspire, and to spark conversations about the world around us.

Farrukh revealed that among the artists featured is Eniola Dauda, a 10-year-old prodigy whose mixed media works have been celebrated for their vibrant use of color and texture.

“Idris Ibrahim, an 1l-year old, known for Human Portraits; Sara-Michelle Oni, 7 year old whose paintings explore themes of Landscape and Human Figures; Victoria Collins, 11 year old, Tulips and Dolphins; and Mahrukh Farrukh 11 year old, an artist who transforms Cats and Calligraphy, one last but not the least Mrs Kokab Farrukh’s
Collection of Paintings/Sculptures mixed medium art works named Wings of Freedom,” she said.

Farrukh said in addition to the art displays, “Art Inspirit” would host a series of educational programs designed to deepen engagement with the exhibition’s themes.

She stressed that these include artist talks, hands-on workshops, and guided tours.

On her part, Dr. Morenike Oni, whose daughter is also participating, said her daughter was enrolled in the school when she was three years old.

Her words: “I noticed that when she was growing up, I exposed her to quite a lot of things, but I noticed that she loved to put colors together. She loved to do what I would, as a non artist will call an assembly of red and purple and just mixing colours together.

“So, I always wondered that there could be a better way to express art, rather than just having just this one type of color mixing every time. So it was something that I was particularly interested in. So,every time I traveled, I would get her a lot of art accessories, I would try to inspire her to say, think outside the box. Can you try and paint a flower? Can you try and draw a house? So it was something I was very curious about. I’ve been very intentional with her extracurricular activities.

“So a friend of mine introduced me to Kokab’s House of Art. So at seven, for her to be privileged to be having her exhibition, we have about 17 pieces coming to this exhibition, that’s remarkable for me. So it’s gracious, it’s humbling to have a seven year old participating. A lot of effort has gone into it and I’m here to give her support in any way, shape or form.”

Also, Mrs. Olumide Dauda, whose daughter is also participating, said she had the privilege of participating in the 2017 exhibition organised by Kokab.

“It was not a surprise to us in 2021 when she asked to have an exhibition to raise money for charity during the course of her being a student at the Kokab’s House of Art,” she added.