This is a wonderful discovery for me (and I hope it will be for you). I present the ARTssembly’s first embroidery artist, and not the least! Shade’s art is breathtaking in its finesse, meticulousness, cultural richness, and beauty.

I was lucky enough to meet this pioneer in the field on a video call to learn more about her unique art. Shade sews her works by hand, using a needle and knitting yarn. Her sensational works celebrate African cultures, traditions, standards, and beauty.

Her love for fabrics and yarns was kindled by two of her childhood neighbors, one a local cloth weaver (called aso-oke in Yoruba) and the other a wool cardigan weaver. Fascinated by the process by which strands of yarn and knitting threads metamorphose into decorative, colorful, domestic and commercial items, Shade decided to study art at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Osun State, Nigeria).

After graduating, she worked for a while as a graphic designer before realizing that she didn’t like being an employee at all. While considering new career possibilities, she decided to take part in an art competition honoring Nelson Mandela. Thinking about a way to stand out among the contestants, she used her needle and thread to create a portrait of him. Unfortunately, the competition was cancelled, but she had a beautiful piece in her hands, which motivated her to intensify and improve her practice while experimenting with new materials and techniques.

Throughout this process, Shade gained notoriety and won a string of awards and recognitions, including the Best Textile Artist award at the 2019 Life In My City Arts Festival and the Justice Aniagolu award for originality, and representing Nigeria at the 2020 International Women’s Art Exhibition (100 women, 100 countries) in Dubai. Her art has also earned her the distinction of being the first Nigerian woman to take part in a 10-person residency funded by the Association Arkane in Rabat (Morocco) in 2023.

Through her work, Shade tells her story as a young Nigerian woman, as well as the story of African women. Her art highlights their beauty, courage, and resilience, reminding us that women, in all their hues, are the bedrock of humanity.

Her dream is to democratize her art, starting in Nigeria, and to exhibit her works in the most renowned art institutions in the world. I believe her distinctive art has everything to take her there.

Many thanks, Shade, for such a mind-expanding discussion.

To acquire one or more of her unique works, contact her here: https://www.instagram.com/shadefagorusi/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)