Recycling junk for art gives me pleasure – Anila Adnan
Anila Adnan is a Pakistani artist who arrived Nigeria in 1978 with her parents. She grew up in Borno State and attended secondary school in Bida, Niger State. The mother of two daughters holds a master’s degree in Graphic Design. She has over a 20-year ex
Among other professions, why do you prefer art?
Working as an artist is very satisfying. I love creativity and try to experiment every possible medium I come across. Recycling junk material is very enjoyable. It gives me pleasure and peace of mind as my work is my passion. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment.
As a premedical student, I used to visit my elder sister in the Fine Art Department. I used to admire and wonder how the young artist painted, made sculptures and did other techniques of art. That used to inspire me a lot. From my childhood, art has been my passion. My father wanted only doctors and engineers in his family, but when he sent me to Pakistan for higher studies I changed my course from Medicine to Fine Art.
I believe everyone should have hobbies. Mine are gardening, photography, interior decoration, cooking, embroidery/stitching, music/dance and playing badminton.
How do you work?
To accomplish a task, planning is very important. I plan my work well before execution and make my own deadline for the completion of the work. When there is workload I divide my time and prioritise - see what’s more important, then work accordingly. As a working woman I am good at time management. So within the timeframe, I try to accomplish the task. Also, dedication and commitment are very important. The workload can be shared, but one should know who can help with what. My daughters and husband are a great help. At times they do the house chores and other works when I am busy painting or working on a project.
How has your practice changed?
I have always been a high energy ambitious person. But definitely, with the passage of time, one becomes more mature, responsible and dedicated. Every artist’s style keeps changing, depending on situations, moods and circumstances. Like all other artists, I’m moody. Sometimes I work late hours for many days, and sometimes I don’t feel like. But I hardly take a lot of rest. I am quite restless. I usually plan my weekends or holidays to complete a task. Since my children have grown up, I have more time for myself now.
What art do you identify with the most?
I love to explore and experiment new things. I work with every possible medium and enjoy multimedia, collage, papier mâché, art of beading, stained glass, fabric painting, face painting, fresh and dry flower arrangement, batik, cutting pasting, stenciling and many more. But I love to make large murals the most.
What’s your strongest memory of childhood?
While playing with my elder siblings at the back of our house in Maiduguri (when I was 4 to 5 years old), we cooked food for our dolls. I still remember how we were cooking green peas we plucked from the bush. I remember how my brother lit fire and threw the burning matchstick in the room and the wooden door caught fire. We all were so engrossed that no one noticed that the door had caught fire and was burning. We got trapped inside with other children from the neighbourhood. My father, who was coming back from the office, noticed heavy smoke from the house, rushed and saw all of us screaming. He rescued us, but we all had a good session of beating later on. It’s still very fresh and clear in my mind.
What jobs have you done, other than being an artist?
I look for any work that comes across. I love to cook, so I have done catering jobs for birthday parties, marriage and bazaars. As a nature lover, I love to do gardening. I did horticulture for the Pakistani Embassy, Pakistan House and other places. I also put up stalls for bazaars and sell cloths and handmade stuff. I do interior decoration for houses, participated and won cooking competitions. I served my community as a social worker, worked as a female coordinator and executive member for four years. Presently, I am working to create a women’s club. I believe in multi-tasking.
As an artist, what memorable responses have you had?
There have been numerous occasions when I received
awards and rewards, but the most memorable response was on my painting of a backdrop for the Alhamra Hall, where a debate competition was organised. I was heading the stage decor and setup; it was total surprise for me when I received a shield for my painting by the proprietress of City School. It was a great honour for me to get a prize and recognition among 14 art teachers and hundreds of audience. It was a proud moment for my father too, as he was there to witness the event.
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract?
It varies from person to person. Not every artist’s life is lonely. For me, artists’ life is very beautiful. It allows the ability to see beauty in everything. I like a life full of thrill, drama and fantasy. I find happiness in everything I do.
What do you dislike about artwork?
What I dislike about artwork might be the fact that it is time-consuming, materials are expensive and sometimes unavailable here. Sometimes I experience sleepless nights to meet deadlines.
What is your dream project?
I hope to achieve a world where every artist’s work is truly appreciated. I want to work in a place or organisation where my work is cherished and appreciated. I want to do commissioned works. I also wish I could beautify the whole of Abuja by using works of different artists. I want to do horticulture and fill the whole town with flowers and artworks on every road, roundabouts and gardens, murals on huge walls; in fact, every spot. (Laughter)
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
My father, who is my ideal personality, says, “Never be suppressed by anyone, never allow anyone to rule you against your wishes, never tolerate injustice, raise your voice against it. Be bold to express your views and make a difference in the society. Have an opinion, have a voice, show that you exist.”
Professionally, what is your goal?
I’ll keep doing my best to go higher. I have no measuring stick, but I have high ambitions and dreams to reach the top of my profession.
What do you like about Nigeria and Nigerians?
I have been living in Nigeria since my childhood. I have spent more time here than in Pakistan. I feel this is more of my hometown. And there is some strong bond and connection between myself and Nigeria. What I like most about Nigeria is its weather, especially heavy rains. Geographically, it’s extremely beautiful, with high and lands, rocks, beaches, rivers, lakes and falls. The soil is fertile like gold; anything can grow without much effort. One just has to throw seeds in the rainy season. It could be another Dubai or Paris if we had the right leadership.
Generally, people here are very friendly, respectful, easygoing and warm. No matter what situation they are in, they never complain. They are strong, attractive and beautiful at heart.
Do you participate in exhibitions in Nigeria?
Yes, I am a member of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN). I exhibit every year. This year, the theme of the International Women’s Day was, “Be Bold for Change, Women Arise!’’ We displayed our exhibition at the Nike Art Gallery, Lagos. I stayed with my fellow artists and Ngozi Akande, the president of FEAAN, for one week in Lagos. One of my paintings was chosen for the catalogue cover page.
What foods, drinks, songs inspire you?
My favourite Nigerian foods are suya, fried yam, dodo, jollof rice with beef stew. Among Pakistani foods, I like biryani, pulao and qorma. I like fresh fruit juices, fresh milk and plain water as I want to live close to nature. I mostly like fast music; and sometimes sad music too, depending on my mood.
What do your friends and colleagues say about you?
I make friends easily. My close friends know me inside out. They say I am full of life, energy, intellect, bold, and my moods guide my actions. They also say I can inject life and vigour to the dullest moment through light heartedness, share hospitality and flexibility of attitudes, and I am of an outgoing nature.
What’s your biggest wish?
My biggest wish is to make this world a better place for our children. I wish there were no bombs, guns and bullets. I wish there were no terrorism, boundaries and visa, such that everyone could go everywhere and we would respect one another. I prefer a world where there would be no hatred, grudges and jealousy; only peace, love and harmony should prevail everywhere.