Aisha Idirisu never set out to prove a point, she just wanted to create. But in a world where women are often told their passions have an expiration date, she quickly realized that art, for her, was more than a calling—it was a fight for space, for voice, for permanence. Growing up between the ancient wonders of Egypt and the raw energy of Nigeria, Aisha’s artistic journey was shaped by two contrasting worlds. Yet, when she stepped into the art industry, she was met with the same tired narrative: “Women don’t last here. They give it up eventually.” She refused. She painted. She pushed. She persevered. Today, she is a celebrated artist whose work speaks of resilience, identity, and the beauty of untold stories. In this powerful conversation, Aisha opens up about defying expectations, painting without limits, and why women are not just creators of life, but of legacies.
Who is Aisha Idirisu?
FAB: Can you tell us about your background and how you first discovered your passion for art?
Aisha Idirisu: I am a mixed-media artist and a graduate of the Faculty of Art, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2004). My journey as an artist began in the heart of two worlds: Nigeria, my motherland, and Egypt, where I spent my formative years. These two landscapes, rich in history and cultural depth, shaped my creative consciousness in ways I did not fully understand at the time. Egypt was a living masterpiece, an open-air museum of towering pyramids, sprawling souks, and ancient hieroglyphs whispering stories of time itself.
I grew up surrounded by the visual poetry of Pharaonic temples, the grandeur of Islamic architecture, and the raw, vibrant energy of contemporary street art. Every corner of Cairo seemed to hum with creativity, a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and forms that left an indelible imprint on my young mind. Yet, it was Nigeria that completed this artistic awakening. The pulse of Lagos, the soul of Northern landscapes, the rhythms of everyday life—all of it fused into my consciousness. The duality of these experiences, one steeped in ancient wonder, the other a rich multicultural landscape in dynamic evolution, inspired my need to create. Art, to me, became more than just expression; it was a language, a way of navigating the world. In discovering my passion for art, I ended up finding myself and my purpose.
FAB: What inspires your work?
Aisha Idirisu: Nature is my greatest muse, not just in its visual beauty but in its raw, untamed spirit. I am captivated by gardens, landscapes, and the organic rhythm of the world around us. But beyond that, I am inspired by life itself, the unpredictability, the fleeting moments, the stories that unfold in the everyday. I thrive in organised chaos, creating something out of nothing, often in ways that even I do not fully understand until the final stroke is placed. My work reflects the world as I see it, chaotic, fluid, textured, and alive.
FAB: Do you remember the first artwork you ever created, what it was, and how it made you feel?
Aisha Idirisu: Yes, vividly. My first significant piece was a print work I created in my final year of secondary school. I remember standing in front of it, feeling a strange mix of disbelief and pride. It was as though I had unlocked a door within myself, revealing a path I was always meant to walk. I kept that piece for years, a silent reminder of where it all began and my potential to create, to make something from nothing with my hands, heart, and mind.
FAB: Who are your biggest influences (whether in the art world or outside of it)?
Aisha Idirisu: One of my greatest influences is J. M. W. Turner, the British painter whose use of light and abstraction was centuries ahead of his time. His work has raw, expressive, and deeply emotional qualities that resonate with me. He painted as though trying to capture the very essence of movement and time itself, unconcerned with whether the world was ready to understand him. That kind of fearless artistry is what I continuously strive for.
FAB: How would you describe your artistic style, and what makes it unique?
Aisha Idirisu: My work sits at the intersection of expressionism and impressionism, driven by emotion, energy, and spontaneity. Being trained at Zaria Art School gave me a strong foundation, but my style evolved organically, shaped by my lived experiences. I am drawn to bold textures, evocative strokes, and compositions that balance between chaos and harmony.
Recommended For You
Hard Truth About Launching a Successful Fashion Line in 2025
FAB: What’s your creative process like, from the moment an idea comes to you to the final piece?
Aisha Idirisu: My process is instinctive, almost visceral. I paint stories whether they emerge from politics, family, social issues, or personal moments. Sometimes, I start without a clear vision, letting the emotions guide my hand. There is an element of trust in the process, a surrender to whatever wants to emerge. The beauty of art is that it allows for transformation not just of the canvas but of the artist as well.
FAB: What materials and techniques do you enjoy working with the most?
Aisha Idirisu: I am deeply drawn to the palette knife because it allows me to create rich, textured layers that bring depth and movement to my work. There is something liberating about the way it spreads paint, unpredictable yet deliberate, much like the way I approach art itself.
Challenges and Triumphs as a Female Artist in Nigeria
FAB: As a female artist in Nigeria, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Aisha Idirisu: Art, like many industries, has long been a male-dominated space, and in Nigeria, this reality is even more pronounced. Women in the field often find themselves having to work twice as hard to carve out their place. I remember being told once, “After marriage, most women stop practicing.” That statement stayed with me—not as a limitation, but as a challenge.
Women are co-creators with nature, giving birth not just to life but to ideas, movements, and legacies. I refuse to let my art be confined by societal expectations. Instead, I let it speak for itself, proving that passion and dedication transcend gender.
FAB: What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Aisha Idirisu: Winning the Lagos Black Heritage Festival in May 2011 was a pivotal moment—it was the first time I truly felt seen in the art world. More recently, receiving the Nike Award of Excellence in December 2024 was another affirmation that my work has an impact. But beyond awards, the real reward lies in the people who connect with my art.
FAB: Have you ever doubted your abilities as an artist? If so, how did you push through those moments?
Aisha Idirisu: Yes, unfortunately, doubt is a shadow that follows every creative. There are moments of questioning, of wondering if the work is good enough, if it will resonate, if it even matters. But then I remember why I started. Winning the Lagos Black Heritage Festival in 2011 was a turning point; it reminded me that my art had a place in this world.
FAB: How do you confront the conflict between creating for yourself and meeting market or audience demands?
Aisha Idirisu: There is art for every audience and an audience for every work of art. I create what is true to me, and in that truth, I find those who connect with it. I do not believe in compromising authenticity for market appeal; rather, I believe that authenticity is what makes art valuable.
FAB: What role do you think art plays in addressing societal issues, especially those affecting women?
Aisha Idirisu: There is a saying, “that art mirrors our society.” Art is a catalyst for change, a medium of resistance, and a vessel for untold stories. It possesses the profound ability to reflect society’s complexities, challenge entrenched norms, and amplify voices that have long been silenced. Throughout history, women have wielded art as both a weapon and a sanctuary, using it to reclaim their narratives, confront injustices, and celebrate the essence of femininity in all its forms. From shedding light on gender inequality to exploring themes of resilience, strength, and identity, art provides a space for dialogue and introspection. It educates, provokes, and inspires, bridging the gap between personal experience and collective understanding.
Beyond advocacy, art serves as a form of healing and therapy, offering solace, empowerment, and an avenue for self-expression. Whether as a means of protest, storytelling, or therapy, art continues to be an unwavering force in shaping a more just and inclusive world for women.
