Biography
Ladi Kwali, born in Nigeria in 1925, was a talented potter, skilled ceramic artist and passionate educator. Her love of pottery and porcelain catapulted her to artistic prominence, making a lasting impression on the Nigerian art community.
Throughout her career, she has diligently shared her knowledge and experience with young artists, encouraging them to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional ceramic techniques. Ladi Kwali’s contributions to ceramics are still recognized and appreciated nationally and internationally.
Nigerian potters and ceramicists
Ladi Kwali |
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 Ladi Kwali: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Ladi Kwali |
| Stage name: | Girl |
| Born: | 1925 (age 59) |
| Place of birth: | Kwali, Abuja, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Abuja |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Ahmadu Bello University (1977) |
| Deceased: | August 12, 1984, Minna |
| Parents: | Do not have |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Married |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Do not have |
| Job: | Potter • Potter |
| Net worth: | US Dollar?? |
Early life
Ladi Kwali, a talented potter, was born in Kwali village in the Gwari region of northern Nigeria in 1925. Her name, “Ladi,” implies that she was born on a Sunday, while “Kwali” refers to her birthplace. Pottery is a popular occupation for women in the area. Ladi’s early exposure to the art form influenced her future as a renowned potter.
Ladi Kwali was fortunate to learn the ancient art of pottery from her skilled aunt. This traditional method involves carefully rolling clay and gently using a flat wooden paddle to beat and shape the clay. Using this technique, Kwali’s aunt crafted large, beautiful and functional vessels for a variety of purposes, such as holding water, cooking, serving food, and even serving as a vessel. As she honed her skills, Kwali’s early creations were heavily influenced by the Gbagyi style, an indigenous aesthetic known for its intricate geometric patterns and attractive stylized animal motifs.
Ladi Kwali, a renowned artist, has kept a low profile when it comes to discussing her personal life with the media. Despite her fame and success, she has chosen not to reveal any information or provide any insight into her parents or siblings. As a result, little is known about her family background or family dynamics. This deliberate decision to separate her personal life from her professional career has added mystery and intrigue to Ladi Kwali’s impressive artistic journey.
Education
Ladi Kwali’s pottery journey began without any formal education in the art form. As a child, she learned the knowledge and skills of coil pottery from her aunt, using traditional methods. However, her talent and passion for pottery caught the attention of others, leading to an incredible opportunity in 1954.
Ladi Kwali was invited to attend the prestigious Abuja Ceramics Centre, where she received extensive training in various techniques such as wheel casting, glazing, kiln firing, saggar production and the use of paper mats. The experience was groundbreaking, as she became the first woman to be trained in these advanced techniques at the centre.
Career
In 1950, a famous British potter and educator named Michael Cardew visited Kwali’s village and was deeply impressed by her exceptional pottery skills. Recognizing her talent, he invited Ladi Kwali, urging her to enroll in Abuja Ceramic Training Center He founded in 1952.
This opportunity marked a milestone as Kwali became the first woman to study at the centre. Under Cardew’s guidance, she quickly became one of his most talented students, gaining expertise in wheel throwing, glazing, kiln firing, saggar production and the use of non-stick coatings.
Ladi Kwali’s exceptional talent and artistic achievements have earned her immense recognition on a global scale. Her artwork has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across several continents, including Europe, the United States, and Africa.
Her contributions to the art world were recognized and honored with important awards, such as the MBE she received in 1962. Her outstanding contributions to the arts were further honored in 1977 when Ahmadu Bello University awarded her an honorary doctorate.
Awards & Nominations
- Her image was placed on the back of the Nigerian 20 naira note in the 2000s.
- Abuja Ceramic Training Center renamed Ladi Kwali Ceramic Training Center in her honor
Social media
- @LadiKwaliCenter on Twitter and Instagram
- Ladi Kwali Foundation on Facebook
- @LadiKwali on Pinterest
Personal life
Ladi Kwali, a respected potter from Nigeria, is known for her incredible talent and skill in pottery. Despite her fame and success, she remains private, choosing not to reveal much about her personal life.
It is widely known that Ladi Kwali is married to a man whose identity remains unknown to the media. The couple has no children together, adding to the mystery surrounding Ladi Kwali’s personal life.
Net worth
Ladi Kwali, the Nigerian potter featured on the 20-naira note, has a unique perspective on wealth that defies conventional wisdom. Despite having no net worth in the traditional sense, she excels as a self-taught potter despite never having received formal training.
Notably, her artistic creations were not motivated by financial gain; instead, she generously donated her ceramics to museums and various organizations. To support her family, Ladi Kwali relied on income from her lectures and presentations. Thus, her remarkable journey as an artist left a lasting legacy and provided for her loved ones through unconventional means.
