The delightful batik, tie-dyed and adire fiber art techniques are used in the expressions by Gasali Adeyemo from Nigeria, Africa.

The graceful, geometric batik designs are laid out by using a coating of either paraffin or beeswax which is then carefully removed after the fiber is dyed. Adire is a second method. It uses the traditional tools of a broom stalk, a chicken feather, and cassava paste. Sometimes, in the adire method, a stencil design is the overlay and, at other times, the artist creates the patterns by hand. In some creations a tie dye technique called stitch resist is used by stitching the raffia into the fabric. The other technique is done by hand using the raffia to create the design. Adeyemo specializes by using indigo dyes because of its importance to his people. The indigo dye allows for delightful contrasting shades of blue. The designs can use symmetry but each design has a specific meaning or identity. The design can become like a passport so that when you travel you can show your village of origin.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with over 250 ethnic groups. Adeyemo’s singular creations are mainly traditional Yoruba designs. Adeyemo is an artist who has emerged into a respected circle of fiber art artists. He was a student at the Nike Center for Arts and Culture and has subsequently become a trainer of the arts of the Yoruba people. Growing up, his mother made clothing for the family through which he was introduced to the techniques of and love for fiber art.