Nigerian textile artist Afis Enitan Quadri creates compelling images from boldly coloured threads and African fabrics. His striking art focuses on ‘socio-cultural themes and subjects.’

Firstly where are you from?

I’m from Nigeria. I grew up in Ogun state, in the western part of Nigeria. I moved to Ife, Osun state to study art. Since completing my art degree two years ago I’ve being researching indigenous textile materials and techniques in textile production in Ife to learn more about textile art.

What is your background in textile art?

The basis of my art knowledge goes back to what I was taught as a kid. My first art teacher was my sister who was an excellent textile artist and a very good draughtsman. My skill and passion for art really goes back to her. After her death in 2006, I decided to become an artist as it’s the only way I connect with her. Over the years I’ve navigated from specialisation to specialisation in pursuit of what I really want to do with art. But in the end I came back to where I started from; being a textile artist and a draughtsman.

What techniques do you use?

I really don’t know how to describe my technique per se but what I do know is that my technique is partly collage and partly quilting. My work gives the impression of quilting but no stitching is involved in the production process. Threads and fabrics are arranged and glued together.

How do you describe your art?

I focus my works towards addressing socio-cultural themes and subjects.

How do you create your pieces?

Every single piece starts from a detailed line drawing before arranging and gluing each fabric and threads to paint on the line drawing.

How long does it take to create a piece?

A piece takes a minimum of two months to produce; without any distraction, just work.

What advice can you give to aspiring textile artists?

I would say take your time to understand yourself, understand your materials, know what you want to do with textiles and to just trust the process.

https://www.instagram.com/afisenitan