Halimatu Iddrisu ^(GH)

Halimatu Iddrisu is an artist based in Kumasi, Ghana. Her artworks explore the dichotomy between the liberal dressing style of Muslim women in Ghana and the strict Islamic rules that govern women’s costume. Born in Accra in 1997, Iddrisu draws inspiration from her upbringing in a strict Islamic household while witnessing the contrasting freedom of women’s dress in the Ghanaian Muslim society (particularly within the Zongo communities). Through a combination of henna, acrylic paints and synthetic dyes to paradoxically portray women in an obscured style, Iddrisu omits certain details of the supposed features within the Islamic customs and highlights rather the unseen features on the body. Scuba and lace materials are collaged within her artworks to mimic the texture and appearance of fabric mostly found in the Islamic costuming fashion, thereby creating a layered visual narrative. Iddrisu’s thought-provoking artworks prompt viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity, cultural practices and societal expectations. In 2020, Iddrisu graduated with a bachelor of Fine arts from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Fine Art at the same institution.