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ART & DESIGN

Body Canvas Stories

Storytelling Fine Art Photography Collaboration 
 by Minika & Hakeem Salaam
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02
ILI


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.


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


A’nger is a traditional hand-woven fabric made by the Tiv people of Benue State, Nigeria. Characterized by its distinctive black-and-white striped pattern, the fabric reflects the community's cultural identity and love for the zebra. The hand-weaving process is slow but highly regarded, and passed down through generations as a valued craft. As a key cottage industry, A’nger weaving plays a significant role in the local economy and the preservation of Tiv heritage.

Title: Eneh II
Fabric: A’nger
Series: Ili
Year: 2022

Contact For More Information: 
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com





Eneh


Title: Eneh
Fabric: A’nger
Series: Ili
Year: 2022

Contact For More Information: 
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com





Oji Nduru I



Oji Nduru III



Akwete cloth is a unique hand woven textile. The raw materials used in its early production were wool, cotton, silk, raffia, cotton and hemp derived from the bark of certain trees. The traditional Igbo weaving as demonstrated in Akwete processes sisal-hemp, raffia and spun cotton into finished fabrics on a wide vertical loom. While the coarse raffia materials were used by masquerades and in the past as head gear for warriors amongst other uses, the hemp material was used to weave towels, ropes and handbags. In contrast, the softer, more colourful spun cotton is favoured for everyday clothing.

Title: Oji Nduru I  & III
Fabric: Akwete
Series: Ili
Year: 2022

Contact For More Information: 
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com




Tranquil II


Adire, is derived from the Yoruba words “adi” (to tie) and “re” (to dye), refers to indigo-dyed cloth traditionally made by  by the Yoruba of South Western Nigeria. Using a range of resist-dye techniques, Adire reflect the culture, language and artistic heritage of the Yoruba people. The earliest form of Adire was created on Kijipa fabric, a prototype of cotton, locally-woven hand-spun cloth that is then dyed with indigo. The Indigo dye was made from the chopped and pounded leaves of the African indigo plant. The cloth initially appears brown but quickly oxidizes upon exposure to air, transforming into a deep blue hue. Raffia and starch were the two most common  early forms of resist used in Adire production.

Title: Tranqil II
Fabric: Adire 
Series: Ili
Year: 2022

Contact For More Information:
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com






Sisi Igbalode


Title: Sisi Igbalode
Fabric: Adire
Series: Ili
Year: 2022

Contact For More Information: 
curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com





Iyaami Eleko 


While tie-dye techniques are practiced globally, Adire Eleko is indigenous to the people of Abeokuta, Nigeria, and is considered the most recently developed form of Adire. Initially using a starchy substance known as eko - corn-based staple food, it is now commonly made from cassava flour (lafun). The paste is prepared by mixing cassava flour with water, alum and copper sulphate. The paste prevents dye penetration while the alum prevents the starch from peeling into the dye bath during the dyeing process. This is then applied with a brush or feather using a designed metal stencil or painted freehand onto the cloth, a method that allows more stylised and complex designs.

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



Ita inochi, also known as Okene, is named after the town of Okene, which historically served as the central trading hub for the cloth, is a handwoven textile traditionally made by the Ebira people of Central Nigeria. Woven primarily from cotton and bast fibres (derived from plant stems), Okene cloth is typically produced by women using a vertical single-heddle loom in domestic settings and in relatively small quantities. Referred to by locals as Ita inochi, this cloth has deep cultural roots, with the loom becoming a common feature in Ebira households by the mid-20th century.

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

Purchase Enquiries

email: curatedd@lifestylecustomised.com









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