Akanji Bolaji

Akanji Bolaji is a Nigerian figurative painter based in Lagos, Nigeria. His paintings are notable for the use of expressive plain and simplified background pattern inspired by cow print (cow skin). His styles is featured in surrealism and pop art with a weave of abstractionism; his way of exploring the complexity layers of blacks narrative beauty; his subjects are in surrealist form with the use of earth tone to reflect his African background as well as his black history and culture.

His pattern works explore imagery in layered, seemless aesthetic cow patterns inspired by cow skin. Each piece feeds on the storyline of the perfect and imperfection of surreal moment, brought to life from years of experimentation and practice- the quest to finding an artistic signature style. My newly developed style, "pattern play" falls under the categorization of pop art, surrealism and abstractionism, and it is visioned to be developed into wider area of sculptures, collectibles and installation as its appreciation grows.

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...