Emmanuel Akolo

Emmanuel Akolo is an award-winning Nigerian-Canadian visual artist based in Niagara, Ontario. His work is characterized by a profound exploration of human emotion and cultural heritage, often utilizing bold light and expressive portraiture to examine themes of identity and community memory.
Since transitioning his practice to Canada, Akolo has become a significant voice in the Ontario arts community.

In 2025, he was awarded "Best in Show" at the Niagara Falls Juried Art Exhibition and took second place in the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s live painting competition. His recent solo exhibition, "Unfinished Narratives" (2026), and his involvement in projects like "Black Histories: Black Futures" underscore his commitment to using art as a tool for historical reclamation and social dialogue.

Akolo’s technical versatility is reflected in his diverse portfolio of high-profile commissions, including work for The Samsung Frame TV (2025, 2026) and LG Gallery TV+ (2025). He has also been commissioned to paint portraits for notable figures, including the Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. His work has been recognized globally by publications such as Singulart and Saatchi Art, which named him one of the "Artists to Collect".

A recipient of mul...

Bachelors of Engineering ( 2011_2016)

Artsy Black History Month, Ross-Sutton Gallery. StockHolm, Sweden, 2026
Toy Reboot Show, Niagara Falls Exchange, Ontario, Canada 2026
Art Battle Toronto, Queen Hall, Toronto, Canada 2026
Black Histories: Black Futures, City of St Catharines, Ontario, Canada, 2026
I’ve been Pretty Busy Lately, Niagara Falls exchange, Ontario, Canada, 2025
Niagara Falls Night of Art, Niagara Falls Exchange, Ontario, Canada, 2025
Reclaiming Narratives: A Black Resistance, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, 2025 Niagara Falls Juried Art Exhibition, City Of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, 2025
Layers, City of St Catharines, 2025
Melanin & Masterpieces, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 2025
Bella A beau art exhibition, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, 2020
Artist Village, Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove Park and Gardens, Nigeria, 2019
Signature Sogal Acquire, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, 2018
This is Kuta Exhibition, Nest by Kuta, Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria, 2017
Art Varsity Awakening, Funaab Art beat, Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria. 2016