Artist Statement

Mufu Ahmed is a Nigerian poet, sculptor and textile artist who combines the imagery, traditions and stories of his Yoruba culture with the techniques, materials and applications of the Western world. Known back home for his creative use of found metal, and his unique architectural gates, doors and window coverings, Mufu has continued to explore his craft designing cast bronze park benches and fabricating large Public Art sculptures for the New Columbia neighborhood in North Portland. As artist and craftsman, Mufu collaborates with design professionals, private clients, and other artists offering technical expertise, fabrication and creative design solutions.

Mufu finds inspiration from the natural world creating animal sculptures whose expressive features and postures belie the hard metal they are made of. Whether he is conjuring the animals from his childhood, representing the animals of the Pacific Northwest, or exposing us to the folktales and traditional gods and goddesses of his homeland, his work tells a story that can be enjoyed by everyone.

In addition to his artistic abilities, Mufu also excels at teaching and public speaking, regaling his audiences with stories imbedded with song and dance, lecture and parable. As a teacher he strives to develop the uniqueness in each person, asking that his students call on their own true nature for their inspiration.