Chapter 93: A New Artistic Vision
902words
The first place he visited is called the Kofar Mata Dye Pit, which is a big area where indigo changes into different colours. The smell of dye there is very strong, almost like you can touch and feel it everywhere around you. He met Hajiya Fatima there. Her hands were blue from working with the dye, but her heart seemed full of joy and excitement, just like the colours she made.
"Hmm, you have good observation," Hajiya Fatima agreed softly. "However, to know this art, one must be inside it."
Dapo had a big curiosity. He watched the dyeing process for many hours, feeling amazed by the smooth movements of dyers that looked like magic spells. He also tried many ways by himself; after this, his hands got indigo spots same as what happened on some fabrics.
Then, he went to the weaving area. There, I was introduced to a world of complex patterns and textiles. The machines making rhythmic noises as they worked on the looms created mesmerizing music. He looked at the weavers for many hours, their hands moving so fast and precisely that it appeared like magic.
Dapo saw that the value in these textiles was not just about how they looked but also what stories they could tell. They are more than just fabric; each piece carries a narrative - it keeps culture, history, and identity alive.
What Dapo saw, made him start his investigations. He began to add textile parts to paintings. He used fabric pieces like canvas and drew on them with complex designs. The results were surprising and very exciting. The fabric's bright colours, sometimes clashing and other times merging with the shades of his paint, created a blend of disorder and harmony.
His interaction with the artisans changed as his work evolved. At first, he just gave them orders and they carried out the tasks. But then, a trend started where he discussed his ideas with others and considered their views to create works combining old-style craftsmanship with new kinds of art.
Hajiya Fatima became a mentor for Dapo. She showed the hidden meanings of various patterns and tales linked with each thread. Due to her assistance, Dapo began to understand things in a new way.
But as his artistic imagination grew bigger, so did the problems. Working together with the craftsmen was enjoyable but had its challenges. There were language barriers, cultural differences and anticipated clashes in artistic ideas.
One afternoon, when making a new piece, Dapo and Hajiya Fatima started arguing about the colours. Their voices got louder, and for a while, you could feel how tense it became in the room.
"This is my vision," Dapo said, his voice firm.
Hajiya Fatima gazed at him, her eyes showing much disappointment. "This is ours," she said. "Young man, art is a collaboration. Let us continue." It is about give and take."
Dapo felt guilty because he forgot about the parts of the work they did together since he was too focused on his ideas.
After a little break, Hajiya Fatima began speaking once more. "We can have an agreement," she mentioned. "But, we must give importance to each other's thoughts."
Dapo nodded, understanding that the real beauty of art is in finding shared ground. Feeling more empowered, they went back to their work and began collaborating with a fresh respect for each other's views.
Dapo, when he saw his works being appreciated not just in Kano but also outside of it, realized how important his art was for others. He understood that he was not only making beautiful things; he had an important part in keeping a whole way of living alive by showing Nigeria's rich cultural history.
On the night of the big start, there was a very exciting feeling in the air. Dapo presented his new idea completely changed: he turned his studio into a lively mess with many canvases, fabrics, and lots of art tools all around him.
One night, a lady who I did not know came to my door while I was very busy with work - writing with much concentration and focus. Even though seeing her was new for me, something about her face felt familiar—a picture that stayed in my mind like some ghostly image that made me feel cold inside when I recognized it.
"I believe we have unfinished business," she said, her voice low and menacing.
Dapo felt his blood go cold. He remembered her, she was one of the masked people from that night when they entered his home without permission. Fear gripped him as he realized the implications of her presence.
The world where he lived, once full of colour and creativity, changed into a place filled with dark shadows. When the woman came, it revealed that old dangers were quietly hiding everywhere.
