Akanji Bolaji

Akanji is a Black portrait artist who uses his work to celebrate the rich history and culture of West Africa, with a specific focus on the surrealism style. He re-imagines themes and narratives to create bold, fresh, and colorful images that spotlight the beauty and resilience of his creativity. By using art to directly embody the black beauty and nature narratives, Akanji aims to empower and inform viewers about his cultural heritage, and the beauty in nature- he hopes his vibrant paintings evoke feelings.
In his work, Akanji incorporates textured relief on canvas, pattern and plain surface to explore his diversity and influence in his creative journey. Through this, he aims to show the beauty and diversity of his experience and its relation to other cultures.

Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE IFE, OSUN STATE, Nigeria.

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE AND EXHIBITION
** Industrial training SIWES 2012/2013
** Spanish Visual art competition
"Sharing Common Heritage" 2012(participated)
** Life in my City 2013(participated)
** Etisalat Lagos Photo Festival, Lagos 2013(participated)
** Meet the Future (O.A.U) Art exhibition 2014 (participated)
** 10th Spanish Visual Arts Competition 2015 (participated)
** Creative debuts Anti-trump art show and exhibition, London 2018 (participated)
** Life in my city Art competition and exhibition 2018 (participated)
** Tales of a thousand miniatures Art fair Lagos/Nigeria. 2018
** Finalist British Council Arts Showcase
“Cult...