Pakistani Artist Adnan Anila Captivates Audiences at Solo Exhibition ‘Solitude Expression’ at Nike Art Gallery, Abuja, Nigeria

The Solo exhibition of Adnan Anila, titled “SOLITUDE EXPRESSION” took place on February 24th, 2024, at Nike Art Gallery in Abuja. The exhibition continues for month and will end on end of march.

The exhibition was staged in three categories with her latest works as a series portraying the domestic life of females in the African society with a blend of some Pakistani and Western touch to it and another section capturing nature, then the third is the beautiful array of wooden crafted benches,log tables,stools,coffee tables,tray tables and tea trays finished with calming images of nature and abstract art. She used soldering iron for carving on the wood. The exhibition featured a range of Anila’s artwork that explored both Nigeria and her Pakistani culture,through a variety of mediums such as acrylic on canvas,African fabric, paper machete, mirrors (mixed media) and Painting on wooden crafts etc.

The exhibition was well curated and had a large number of people in attendance, including members of the press documenting the event. The opening ceremony featured traditional dances, live music drummers and pageantry, The guests were treated to refreshment.

The event was Anchored by Joyce Hussaini. There were speeches from H.E Sohil Ahmed the Ambassador of Pakistan to Nigeria, Representative of Chief Dr Mrs Nike Okundaye in person of Ibrahim Haruna,)Director General copyright commission),and Mr.Muhammed Sulaiman,(the National chairman SNA),amongst many others. All the art pieces were thought-provoking and visually stunning, with bold and vibrant colors and intricate details that drew the viewers and many attendees who were impressed by the depth and complexity of the work on display, praising Adnan Anila’s talent and creativity.

The event also provided an opportunity for art enthusiasts to connect with one another, exchanging ideas and perspectives. Overall, it was a memorable experience that highlighted the power of art to bring people together and inspired meaningful dialogue.

Adnan Anila’s work has certainly left an impression on those who attended, sparking conversations and reflections long after the exhibition was launched open. It is clear that her unique perspective on identity, culture, family life, nature and society will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. ANILA ADNAN is a Nigerian based Visual Artist (painter, graphic artist, muralist and a dedicated teacher) with over twenty years of teaching experience. Anila is a citizen of Pakistan and has been living in Nigeria for about 45 years.
She obtained her o’levels from Nigeria and a Master’s Degree in fine arts (graphic design MFA) from the University of Punjab, Pakistan, and holds a post graduate certificate Course (PGCC) in higher professional studies, affiliated to university of Strathclyde Scotland.

She started her professional career as an Art instructor with “The City School”, Lahore Pakistan and worked there for 11 years and later moved back to Nigeria where her parents were living. She worked as free lance interior decorator and later as art coordinator with white plains British school Abuja, then worked at Golden olives Abuja and then at a Montessori school Abuja. Currently she is a studio artist and also runs her art gallery. Anila believes nature is a gift of God to humanity of which she is highly inspired by and depicts quite a lot in her art. She also works towards a sense of self-understanding and growth through her art which portrays human relationship with nature.

She sometimes paints reflection of her life resulting in a deeper connection to the subconscious. Her imagination has always been an incredible driving force which is obvious through her art and everything she does. She is confident once she has her paints, brushes and canvas in her hands. She expresses herself without any feeling of holding back, and doesn’t relent until she has poured out herself to her heart’s content. Her paintings are often multi layered to create high textured effect, which gives her paintings richness and a natural appealing effect. She creates Bold, bright high contrast and daring pieces. Having lived in Nigeria from her childhood has inspired her in so many ways. Her art works and paintings are so engulfing that they become almost addictive, hence the name ‘’Art Addiction’’(her personally owned Art Gallery).

ART ICONS AND ASSOCIATION BODIES Anila is influenced by prominent Art icons in Nigeria by the likes of Nike Monica Okundaye, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Tola Wewe, Peju Alatise and Dr. Ngozi Akande. She was brought into the limelight of the art industry in Nigeria by Dr Ngozi Akande and has had the opportunity to meet and get close to Nike Monica Okundaye whom she refers to as a ‘’Mother’’ and has given her total support and encouragement. this exposure gave her the opportunity to join some art associations in Nigeria; FEAAN (Female artist’s Association of Nigeria) and SNA (Society of Nigerian Artists). Anila’s commitment and dedication to her art has earned her countless awards, rewards, appreciations and recommendation in places she worked and people she worked with. Few of her achievements are below.

Awards and Achievements:

• *1st prize float parade 2002
• *1st prize float parade 2003
• *1st prize 3D soft boards display ( thrice)
• 3rd prize central region Golden Jubilee art exhibition.
• Received a shield for designing and painting a huge mural for school debate ( 15× 50 feet)
• Did interiors for several houses and schools
• Ex-Executive member of Pakistani Community in Abuja Nigeria ( PCAAN)
• Pioneer and Ex-President of a non-profit NGO( PWAA).
• An active member of FEAAN( female artists of Nigeria).
• member of SNA ( Society of Nigerian Artists). participated in over 15 group exhibitions in Abuja, Lagos and Casablanca.
• Arranged and hosted several fun fairs multicultural bazaars and other events.
• Designed and did horticulture at Pakistan embassy and Pakistan house. 2016
• Exhibited at Casablanca Moroccco 2019
• Exhibited at lahore ,Pakistan 3023
• Opened an Art gallery in 2020 in Abuja, Nigeria.
• Many group exhibitions from 2013 onwards.
• Solo exhibition “through her eyes” 2023.