Haneefah Adams writes about the inspiration behind her viral food arts 

Hi everyone!

Over the past few weeks, A LOT of people tagged me in #TechMeetsArtNG  competition. So, I created the first three pieces to submit. It was actually pretty nerve racking, I loved what I made and I just wanted them to speak to the viewer as well!

The first was inspired by the true African beauty, What’s cooking is Ogbono Soup. Using all the ingredients of this South East Nigerian delicacy, the portrait expresses and celebrates the beauty of an African woman and her uniqueness as a vibrant and colourful spirit. She’s a beautiful strong woman that wears her deep sense of heritage with pride.

The second art work was inspired by Fela, to celebrate uniqueness and creativity. Qualities that reflect through my art. It celebrates a pioneer and a Nigerian icon.

The third was inspired by our rich Nigerian culture which features and celebrates indigenous music and dance, the hibiscus plant (Zobo) is used in three ways, as a paint, in its droplets liquid form (Like this coke art) and the dried purple Zobo leaf on it’s own.

The Jollof art was inspired by John Bodega’s tweets about fried plantain and Jollof. Since it was Star Wars Day, I decided to make something. I almost gave up actually. Spent a whole day making it and planning just the day before.

It was really worth it as he prayed for me (on twitter) about my kitchen overflowing with Jollof and reposted it on his instagram as well! I’d love to frame it for him though. He is the first person of color to play a stormtrooper in the Star Wars Franchise. This art work celebrates him. Everybody loves Jollof.

What I learnt while making these is that, although I have been making mixed media art involving food, plants and other solid items, I never fully explored Nigerian dishes/ food for my food art, the possibilities I discovered now are amazing! Looking forward to exploring the food medium more.” She eventually won the competition…. n went home wt a brand new tricycle….