"Duro timi (iii) “How fragile we are when it isn’t blossoming”" Painting

Akintomide Akinshola is a contemporary visual artist from a lineage of crop farmers in the historic city of Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria. He currently lives and works in Lagos. He currently has a degree in Fine and Applied Arts Education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Over the years, Akintomide has participated in several group exhibitions both in Nigeria and abroad, steadily building a distinctive visual language.

Akintomide’s artistic practice explores identity, culture, and the complexities and beauty of human relationships. Through his ink and acrylic compositions, he creates figurative portraits that reveal the beauty, fragility, and resilience of human bonds. His exaggerated facial features, especially the nose serve as both personal symbol and narrative device, rooted in childhood experiences of being taunted, yet transformed into marks of strength and individuality.Influenced by his environment, cultural heritage, and personal memories, Akintomide captures intimate scenes that invite reflection on how relationships shape and transform us. He also weaves together African and non-African fabric patterns, reimagining their historical and cultural connections. Through this fusion, his art becomes both a celebration of shared humanity and a visual dialogue on identity, belonging, and the enduring power of connection.