AN ANALYSIS OF EXPLORATORY PAINTINGS WITH THE DAGI MOTIF

Abstract

"Dagi is the Hausa word for "feline paw". It is a prominent motif and symbol in northern Nigeria. It is found on the decorated walls of Hausa palaces and homes.it is also found on decorative and utilitarian utensils. The focus of this study is narrowed to this motif which serves as a medium for personal expression for artists. However, this does not prevent it from serving other purposes. The study has already been carried out in postgraduate research, which identified the non-utilisation of the motif as a singular focus of painters. The objectives are to; explore the rich artistic qualities of the  Dagi motif,  appreciate the artistic forms peculiar to the Dagi motif, transform the Dagi motif forms into compositional purposes in painting, and make the research a source material for further reference in artistic work. The objective of exploring the motif is at this moment focused on through a qualitative analysis of selected paintings. This exploration sets the tone for further paintings creating the transformative stage. The term "exploration" involves a search for artistic ideas for further work in the studio. Notably, Dagi has equivalents in other parts of the world.