Akindele John

Nigeria

""Through my work, I explore the diverse realities of the African diaspora while honouring my Afro-Nigerian identity and cultural heritage.""

MEET

Akindele John

Akindele John is a Nigerian figurative and metaphorical artist whose passion for painting began early and continues to evolve today. Through expressive lines and rich, layered colour, he creates vibrant portraits that honour African womanhood and the complexity of the diaspora experience.

His work explores themes of movement, emotion, and distinction, with a particular focus on the femininity and inner strength of African women. Often depicted in contemplative moments, his figures are surrounded by vivid jewel tones — emerald, fuchsia, yellow, and red — symbolising power, resilience, and cultural memory.

Known for his loose brushwork and bold use of contrast, Akindele blends black tones with luminous hues to build compositions that are both intimate and universal. His visual language bridges metaphor and realism, drawing on lived experience and cultural heritage.

Akindele held his first solo exhibition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, titled "And She Was Loved", in collaboration with Genre Urban Arts and Woodland Pattern. Since then, he has showcased his work across the United States, including exhibitions at Waterkolours Fine Art Gallery (Memphis, Tennessee), 5 Points Art Gallery + Studios, and SvnO1 Gallery.

Today, Akindele is recognised as a rising voice in contemporary African art, using portraiture to celebrate identity, memory, and the brilliance of African womanhood.

FROM OUR BLOGUE
“Dear Black People… A Love Letter”: Diasporic Time-travel in Atlanta

Now open at ZuCot Gallery, Dear Black People… A Love Letter is a bold and poetic journey through the Black American experience. With over 95% of works by artists of African descent, the show reframes visual storytelling as time travel — blending memory, identity and joy.
From glowing watermelons to shimmering histories, this exhibition pulses with creativity, community and cultural pride.

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Zara Welcomes Ghanaian Artist Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe in Stunning Accra‑Inspired Capsule

Zara has announced a groundbreaking capsule collaboration with Ghanaian painter Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe. Featuring 16 curated looks—from vibrant embroidered trousers to statement T‑shirts and accessories—the collection channels Quaicoe’s signature palette and reflects the energy, history and spirit of Accra. This partnership not only broadens visibility for African artists but underscores the growing influence of contemporary African art in global fashion and culture.

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Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Poised to Transform Nigeria’s Cultural Landscape

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City opens in November 2025 as a major cultural hub. The first stage features the new research-focused MOWAA Institute, alongside its inaugural exhibition Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming. Designed by Adjaye Associates, the campus includes galleries, labs, performance spaces, and houses newly repatriated Benin Bronzes and contemporary artworks by Nigerian creators.

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