Body Canvas Stories
Storytelling Fine Art Photography Collaboration
by Minika & Hakeem Salaam
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by Minika & Hakeem Salaam
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02
ILI
CLOTH
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CLOTH
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CLOTH
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‘ILI’ uses the human form as a canvas, to present Nigerian stories through distinct markings on the subject’s body, creating a skin-deep illustration of the body and the fabric in unison.
Textiles, as one of Nigeria’s traditional art forms, has a wide range of different fabrics from various ethnic groups. Each of these groups have their unique techniques for creating these fabrics to blend with their cultural heritage and this has been passed down from generations.
A celebration of the wide blend of techniques and cultural heritage in Nigerian textiles as an art form. Ili means “cloth” in Idoma, a tribe in Benue State, the middle belt of Nigeria. The middle is significant as it is the point that binds all the parts of the country together.
Ili’s thematic focus goes beyond the featured collection—it taps into something universal. It explores a subject that crosses cultures and connects people, celebrating distinct and shared traditions. Through a mix of techniques, individuality and style, it offers a take on storytelling and artistic expression. Visually rich and layered with meaning, it’s designed to inspire, invite reflection, and spark curiosity.
Textiles, as one of Nigeria’s traditional art forms, has a wide range of different fabrics from various ethnic groups. Each of these groups have their unique techniques for creating these fabrics to blend with their cultural heritage and this has been passed down from generations.
A celebration of the wide blend of techniques and cultural heritage in Nigerian textiles as an art form. Ili means “cloth” in Idoma, a tribe in Benue State, the middle belt of Nigeria. The middle is significant as it is the point that binds all the parts of the country together.
Ili’s thematic focus goes beyond the featured collection—it taps into something universal. It explores a subject that crosses cultures and connects people, celebrating distinct and shared traditions. Through a mix of techniques, individuality and style, it offers a take on storytelling and artistic expression. Visually rich and layered with meaning, it’s designed to inspire, invite reflection, and spark curiosity.
Ili translates to ‘cloth’ in Idoma, a tribe in the Benue State of Nigeria
Explore Ili & Discover Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Print Artworks
Eneh II
Title: Eneh II
Fabric: A’nger
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
Eneh
Fabric: A’nger
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
Oji Nduru I
Oji Nduru III
Title: Oji Nduru I & III
Fabric: Akwete
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
Tranquil II
Title: Tranqil II
Fabric: Adire
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
Sisi Igbalode
Fabric: Adire
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
Iyaami Eleko
Title: Iyaami Eleko
Fabric: Adire Eleko
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
Ita inochi III
Ita inochi
Itainochi IV
Ita inochi IV
Title: Ita inochi - III, I & IV
Fabric: Ita inochi
Series: Ili
Year: 2022
Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com
We’re pleased to offer a small selection of limited edition prints from the Ili series by Minika and Hakeem Salaam for purchase.
All prints are in limited, signed & numbered editions. Each edition is created with museum quality giclee archival inks and available unframed on fine art paper or stretched canvas.
Sizes- Varied