By Mohammed Bello Doka
The serene halls of Al-Qasr Cafe, the Capital Hub Plaza Jahi, Abuja played host a groundbreaking exhibition by the illustrious multidisciplinary artist, Alfa Faruk Umar. Titled "EXPRESSIONS by Alfaruk," this collection is a limited series of unique artworks that magnificently glorify the Almighty Creator through intricate Islamic calligraphy, capturing the beauty of His creatures in the flowing elegance of Arabic script.
"EXPRESSIONS" is not just an exhibition; it is a luxury brand epitomizing excellence and elegance. Each piece, carefully crafted with repurposed premium leather, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of art and environmental consciousness. This innovative use of materials underscores a commitment to reducing the global carbon footprint, reflecting a profound respect for our planet. In Faruk's words, the act of preserving and enhancing our environment is a form of worship and a genuine expression of gratitude to the Most High.
The artworks in this collection are designed to evoke deep reflection and solace, providing the audience with a meditative experience that fosters the development of values befitting humanity. They are not merely visual treats but are assets in their own right, their scarcity and the precision of craftsmanship ensuring they appreciate in value over time.
During the exhibition, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, the Director General of the National Gallery of Arts, shared his insights in an interview, stating, "Part of our nature is to promote and appreciate the artistic nature and the artist in the country... Like I said earlier, calligraphy is one of the very few untapped areas that is yet to live to its full potentials." He expressed his enthusiasm for the event, adding, "I'm very happy to be here, to support and see the creativity here and to also lend a hand in partnership... To see how we can promote calligraphy to Nigerians and the world at large."
Sheikh Dr. Abdulfatah Adeyemi, an esteemed Islamic scholar and calligrapher with over 30 years of experience, also addressed the media at the event. He highlighted the uniqueness of Faruk's work, saying, "If you look at his choice of materials, it is something that is out of the ordinary." He further elaborated on the diverse forms of calligraphy, noting, "Calligraphy comes in so many ways. There is English calligraphy, there is Arabic calligraphy, there is even Chinese calligraphy. We also have the Ajami calligraphy, where Arabic script is used to write texts or scripts in the Hausa language."
Alfa Faruk Umar, the organizer and the artist behind the exhibited works, shared the inspiration and challenges behind his creations. He remarked, "The lesson behind these works of art is to encourage each and every one of us to count our blessings, to make it a habit to count our blessings." Reflecting on the challenges faced, he noted, "First of all, the work is very intensive, as you can see the style..." He also acknowledged the difficulties in garnering support, saying, "Another big challenge I might have gone through might be the challenge of support... The challenge of support dissolved in the presence of the Director General of the National Gallery of Arts." He emphasized, "It is one of the major challenges for an artist to find the right support, the right audience for his work."
Alfa Faruk Umar, with over two decades of experience, is renowned for his avant-garde projects that positively impact both the human mind and environment. A true polymath, his journey began with architecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later expanded to filmmaking with his poignant short film, "If Only..."—a project that highlighted the challenges of child education in Africa, focusing on the girl child in Northern Nigeria.
Faruk's diverse talents span across writing, filmmaking, and architecture, all unified by a singular pursuit of excellence and societal upliftment. Through Alfaruk Studios & Gallery, he has continuously pushed the boundaries of creativity and purpose, ensuring that every piece of art serves a higher goal of enriching mankind and the environment.
The "EXPRESSIONS by Alfaruk" exhibition promises to be a seminal event, offering visitors a chance to engage with art that transcends aesthetic appeal to embody a deeper spiritual and environmental significance. Each piece invites viewers on a journey of introspection and admiration, celebrating the divine through the timeless beauty of Islamic calligraphy.
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