Nike Okundaye

ChieDr. Nike Davies-Okundaye: Celebrating the Legacy of Adire and Empowering Artistic Souls

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, affectionately known as “Mama Nike,” is a luminous figure in the world of textile design and contemporary African art. Born in 1951 in the quaint village of Ogidi-Ijumu, Western Nigeria, her journey through life’s vibrant tapestry led her to become a revered artist, educator, and advocate for empowerment through art.

From her earliest days, Nike Davies-Okundaye was destined to follow a cherished family tradition of textile design. Little did she know that her hands would weave a remarkable career and establish her as a global luminary in the art world. Her chosen medium, adire, is a form of resist-dyed cloth, often featuring the rich indigo color that holds deep significance for her people, the Yoruba, symbolizing ‘Love’ in their culture. Nike’s mastery of adire is a testament to her unwavering commitment to tradition and craftsmanship, with many of her pieces meticulously crafted by hand.

However, Nike’s path to international acclaim was not without its challenges. Poverty shaped her destiny, driving her to embrace the world of art when formal education seemed out of reach. After the untimely loss of her mother and grandmother at the tender age of seven, Nike’s great-grandmother became her guiding light. When financial constraints threatened to obstruct her high school education, fate intervened as her great-grandmother introduced her to the art of adire, a cherished tradition of Southwest Nigeria. This art form, historically synonymous with indigo dyeing, became not only her lifeline but also her passion.

The intricate process of creating adire involves extracting indigo from the indigenous elu plant, followed by the labor-intensive steps of painting and resist-dyeing the fabric with a homemade cassava emulsion. Nike Davies-Okundaye’s adire pieces are not merely artistic expressions; they are a labor of love that transcends time and tradition.

At the heart of Nike’s craft lies an unyielding desire to empower others, particularly women whose stories mirror her own. She reached out to these kindred spirits, teaching them the art of adire so that they could forge their paths to self-sufficiency. In the face of skepticism and resistance, especially from some men who found her empowerment initiatives provocative, Nike remained resolute. Her mission was clear: “God sent me to come and liberate a lot of people, to liberate a lot of women who have the passion for what makes them happy but are afraid to pursue it due to societal constraints,” she proclaimed.

Nike Davies-Okundaye’s legacy extends beyond her remarkable artistry. She is the driving force behind the Nike Centre for Art and Culture, located in Osogbo, Western Nigeria, where she serves as the Managing Director. Founded in 1983, this center stands as a beacon of hope and education, made possible by her earnings as an artist. Here, free training in various traditional art forms is offered to Nigerians of all ages. Moreover, the center welcomes undergraduate students from Nigerian, African, and international universities, imparting them with the timeless skills of textile design. Over 3000 young Nigerians have been nurtured through the center’s doors, equipping them with the tools to achieve financial independence through their artistry.

Beyond her homeland, Nike Davies-Okundaye’s work serves as a luminous example of the impeccable standard of Nigerian art. Her creations not only embody the spirit of her nation but also inspire creativity and innovation rooted in African heritage. As a world-renowned artist, educator, and advocate, she has left an indelible mark on the global art community and continues to illuminate the path for future generations of artists seeking empowerment through their craft.

Artist Statement:

“My art is my heartbeat, and adire is the language through which I communicate my soul’s deepest emotions. It is a tradition that flows through my veins, connecting me to the rich cultural tapestry of the Yoruba people, where indigo represents the profound essence of ‘Love.’

Every piece of adire I create is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, craftsmanship, and resilience. I weave stories into every thread, stories of triumph over adversity, stories of empowerment, and stories that celebrate the indomitable spirit of my people.

Through the vibrant hues of indigo and the intricate patterns of adire, I seek to empower others, especially women, who, like me, have faced the gravity of poverty and societal constraints. My mission is clear: to liberate those with a passion for their craft, to embolden them to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in their way.

The Nike Centre for Art and Culture stands as a testament to my commitment to giving back to my community and beyond. It is a place where artistic souls find refuge, where the timeless art of textile design is passed down through generations, and where dreams are nurtured into reality.

My art transcends borders, embodying the beauty and creativity of African heritage while inspiring innovation and embracing the world. It is my hope that my work continues to serve as a beacon of light, illuminating the path for aspiring artists and reminding us all of the transformative power of art, love, and empowerment.”