Press Release
Doofan Kwaghhool Lesikar: Collecting the Present
Within the realm of contemporary art, we are privileged to showcase the remarkable talents of Doofan Kwaghhool Lesikar, an eminent painter and public artist hailing from the culturally rich city of Kano, Nigeria. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Doofan’s artistic endeavors delve into the depths of human existence, offering a critical and thought-provoking examination of psychological, social, and environmental issues. Her creative finesse knows no bounds, as she skillfully employs a diverse range of techniques, including brushwork, printing, and collage, to amalgamate lines, objects, figures, and colors into captivating compositions that reverberate with profound thoughts and ideas.
A pivotal moment in Doofan’s artistic journey occurred in 2018 when she found inspiration in a collection of timeless songs from the nostalgic eras of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This creative spark ignited the creation of over 25 grand paintings, culminating in her momentous first solo exhibition titled “Collecting Moments.” Graduating with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Doofan stands as a testament to dedication and artistic acumen. Moreover, as the esteemed founder of Blue Flames Art Studios, she has nurtured a space for artistic growth and expression, fostering a vibrant community of artists.
Venturing beyond her home country’s borders, Doofan’s artistic journey has traversed numerous landscapes, both in Nigeria and abroad. Her participation in countless group exhibitions, art workshops, and art residencies has garnered acclaim and admiration from fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike, further cementing her place in the global artistic community.
In her latest solo exhibition, “Collecting The Present Moment,” Doofan embarks on a personal odyssey, exploring her new life and embracing her new name through a dazzling display of vibrant paintings, each adorned with enigmatic figures, intriguing objects, and eloquent lines. The exhibition’s thematic fabric also interweaves the captivating concept of “culture shock,” an idea Doofan courageously delved into during her time at Hanger in Lisbon in 2020. These transformative shocks, rather than hindering her, have become an integral part of her artistic expression, as she fearlessly ventures beyond conventional boundaries, striving to redefine the landscape of contemporary art.
Kwaghhool Lesikar’s artistic vision is an evocative testimony to the power of art as a conduit for introspection and societal reflection. Her intricate brushstrokes eloquently convey a profound narrative that resonates with viewers, beckoning them to contemplate the complexities of the human experience and the world that envelopes us. As a curator, it is my privilege to present Doofan’s magnificent body of work, which transcends borders and cultural divides, leaving an indelible imprint on the canvas of contemporary art. Through meticulous curation, we invite you to immerse yourself in the multifaceted world of Doofan’s artistry, a journey of introspection and discovery that unveils the profound interconnectedness of our shared human experience.