Drawing From The Lifeline

Journeys Through Zaria, Kano and the Nigerian country side

This collection presents a series of charcoal drawings, mixed media works, and paintings inspired by my seven-year study of the Nigerian Fulani tribe in their natural habitat, accompanied by my Nigerian wife.

The Fulani, also known as the Fulbe or Peul, are one of West Africa's largest ethnic groups, with a rich history rooted in pastoralism and nomadic traditions. Their culture is characterized by vibrant oral traditions, intricate clothing, and distinctive jewelry. The Fulani have historically been cattle herders, and their lifestyle reflects a deep connection to the land and their herds.

In contemporary Nigeria, the Fulani interact with various cultures, contributing to the nation’s diverse social fabric. While many maintain traditional practices, others have adapted to modern influences, engaging in agriculture, trade, and education. This dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity is a central theme in my collection.

The artworks capture the essence of Fulani life, customs, and the landscapes of Zaria and Kano, offering a visual narrative of their daily lives and rituals.

"Yaya" Elderly woman headed tol the market to sell things that she has grown.

Women Being What They Are from childhood to death,the center of the Nigerian culture

Drawing From the Lifeline carries two meanings—it speaks of drawing inspiration from the African homeland and drawing strength from ancestral history. The works link past and present, stitching memory and identity together through portrait and gesture. I merge charcoal and collage to embody both continuity and fragmentation, capturing how we inherit survival and transformation through blood, spirit, and imagination. These pieces are acts of remembrance—drawing from the lifeline to keep it alive.