AMAH Studios recently opened its doors to art lovers, creative enthusiasts, and spectators for an immersive exhibition showcasing the brilliance of multidisciplinary artist Fiyin Koko Tunde Onadele. In celebration of Women’s Month, Fiyin Koko was spotlighted as AMAH Studios’ Artist-in-Residence for March. A well-deserved honor for an artist whose versatility spans photography, sculpture, painting, and digital design. Even more monumental, the exhibition(For Us and Of Us) was slated to open for March 30th. Aligning with Mother’s Day, making it a fitting tribute to the essence of womanhood.
The residency has seen two studio openings, offering glimpses into her creative process before the exhibition of the completed piece. The first, held on March 8th, was an intimate gathering of 12 remarkable women making groundbreaking strides in their fields. This event was both a commemoration of Women’s Month and a platform for unveiling Fiyin Koko’s ongoing work, a bold, thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of womanhood.
The second studio opening was an electrifying preview of what’s to come. From the moment guests arrived, the energy was palpable. The warm and welcoming atmosphere extended from the entrance, where Tony Iyobebe (Communications Lead) and Anita Ekpo (Editorial Lead) ensured everything ran smoothly. To the upstairs space, where Fiyin Koko greeted visitors. Despite appearing visibly exhausted, she exuded warmth, eager to discuss her ongoing work and residency experience.
Throughout the night, guests followed a familiar routine, ascending the stairs to greet Fiyin Koko, taking in her work-in-progress, as the piece was coming together, which would soon be unveiled and open to the public on the 30th of March, and then immersing themselves in the celebratory ambiance of the night. Coupled with a DJ set that kept the space alive. It was a perfect backdrop for a Friday night celebration of art, community, and creativity.
At the heart of the open studio was a striking painting, the undeniable centerpiece of the room. However, another element stood out, a collage of photographs, an ode to the women who have inspired her work. When asked about it, Fiyin Koko shared that she wanted to challenge herself and create something iconic. A piece that made a statement. Given the theme of bodies, and the significance of International Women’s Month, the piece naturally became a tribute to the women she has encountered, photographed, and admired.
“This is my mood board,” she shared, reflecting on the essence of the work. “It’s about women taking up space, boldly, unapologetically. That’s what I wanted to bring to life on canvas.”
For Fiyin Koko, the highlight of the night was witnessing people’s reactions. The awe, the appreciation, the realization of the scale and impact of her work in person. As she looked around, seeing the energy of the room, she understood just how big this moment was.
But beyond the celebration, this residency carries a deeper meaning for Fiyin Koko. She sees her art as a way of giving back to her inner child, creating the kind of work she wished she had seen growing up.
“I want to create something that allows young girls to be as expressive as they want to be, to dream big. I want to inspire young people.”
With her residency at AMAH Studios, Fiyin Koko is leaving an imprint, not just on canvas, but on the hearts and minds of those who experience her work. Through bold colors, striking forms, and deeply personal storytelling, she brings to life the essence of womanhood, resilience, and self-expression. More than just an exhibition, this is a powerful statement. An invitation for young girls to dream big, take up space, and embrace their creativity unapologetically.
