Asmau’s World in Art

Asmau is a young artist based in Abuja. Her work showcases a diverse set of paintings and drawings, which comes from her constant exploration of colors, forms and ideas. Inspired by her surroundings, Asmau welcomes us to her world, from paintings to engravings.

What is Your background?

I started painting a long time ago, since I was a kid. I was drawn to art and thankfully, Alhamdulillah, I was talented and it became natural to me. My love for creativity sparked my interest and the discovery of my talent.

Style of Art?

I believe art should never be limited and I just never feel the need to have a style. I paint everything that I find beautiful; I paint it.

Is there a Common Theme in Your Paintings?

Texture. It is something that consistently shows up in my work, could be anything, sometimes colors, sometimes geometrical shapes, or sometimes when I close my eyes and I see things.

How Passionate are You towards Your Work?

I love what I do, everything I do, I do with love. Every time I paint, I do it slowly with passion and as I said, it came to me naturally. I discovered I was really good at painting during COVID, after trying my hand at painting sunflowers for the first time on a canvas. When my mom travelled, I told her to get some art supplies for me. And when she did, I painted on a mini canvas. I think it was a 4x4 canvas, like in inches. I tried to paint sunflowers in the cabin and a sunset. That was my first time painting… ever and ever since I have been painting.

But before, I used to make fashion illustrations and create random things.  My mom recognized that early on. She held on to all my drawings. She would be like, “Asmau, I know you would appreciate this when it's done” And she was right, because I still have some artwork I’ve done. Some drawings I did when I was 9 or 10. I love what I do. It makes me so happy.     

Lack of Creative Community in Abuja?

I'm indifferent, I  just do my own thing but yeah, compared to Lagos, there isn’t much going on around here… but they're trying.

Favorite Artists?

I came across this artist, I can't remember his name, but his art is really, really nice. I don't have many favourites. I don't look into others. And there's Art by Mimi, I think she's doing a really good job.  

Other Projects?

I don’t only paint; I also create fashion illustrations. I have made dresses before and I went to this fashion school and learned how to make clothes. I made like three outfits. The last one was a project that was a wedding dress and it was so beautiful. I also love to cook! and engravings on bottles. Anything related to art, I explore it.