Abuja – In a moment of pride and recognition, Nigerian artist Nelly Idagba showcased her artwork at the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center during a special event held in honor of Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan. The exhibition, which took place on 16th May, 2024, was marked by the warm interaction between the artist and the distinguished guest NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Idagba, reflecting on her experience, shared her excitement and admiration for the Turkish First Lady. “She was so warm and calm yet looked classy and tough, her fabrics looked so royal and radiant. She listened keenly to me as I narrated the meaning of my art, she kept on smiling,” Idagba wrote on her Facebook timeline two days ago.
The artist expressed her awe and nervousness during the encounter, especially when the First Lady extended her hand for a handshake. “I almost flew out of my tight blouse in awe, her palm was as soft as a new baby, I knew she could feel a difference with mine. I wondered if she noticed how nervous and excited I was being that close to her,” Idagba recounted.
The painting, which captivated the audience, symbolizes Idagba’s journey from playful sketches on foolscap sheets to exhibiting in prestigious cultural events. Her experience at the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center underpins the significance of nurturing and pursuing one’s passion.
In her heartfelt social media thread, Idagba encouraged others to keep pursuing their artistic dreams, saying, “Don’t kill that passion.” The exhibition not only highlighted the cultural exchange between Nigeria and Turkey but also celebrated the artistic achievements of young talents like Idagba.
The event was a significant milestone in Idagba’s career, providing her with a platform to showcase her art to a broader audience and receive recognition from international dignitaries.
