ABOUT AkindelE John
My art is an ongoing exploration of the soul—mine and yours. I portray my subjects in deep contemplation, wrapped in vibrant colors that span from regal jewel tones to electric neon brights. These hues aren’t just aesthetic choices; they’re intentional expressions of inner life, emotional range, and cultural vibrancy.
I began my artistic journey experimenting with charcoal and liquid acrylic. These materials—fluid, raw, and deeply expressive—taught me how to channel complexity through the human form. Through figurative painting, I’ve come to believe that we come closer to understanding ourselves as creative, interactive beings. The body is more than a subject—it is a language.
My work is deeply rooted in my African-Nigerian heritage. It is a tribute to where I come from and who I am becoming. I pay particular homage to Black feminine identity and expression, which I view as central to the pulse of African society. The grace, strength, and spiritual depth embodied by Black women continues to inspire the narratives I paint. My gratitude for their influence is woven into every canvas.
My artistic vision is to elevate the everyday into the sacred, to render emotion visible, and to hold space for reflection—both personal and collective. Thematically, my work dances between identity, memory, cultural lineage, and the quiet power of introspection. I draw inspiration from the ancestral, the spiritual, and the stylistic influences of both contemporary and classical African aesthetics.
Looking forward, I am focused on expanding the reach of my storytelling through more solo exhibitions. Each show is an opportunity to unfold a new chapter, to deepen the dialogue between viewer and subject. My goal is not only to evolve as a painter but to create spaces where others see themselves—honored, complex, and whole.
Through color, form, and feeling, I am telling a story that is far from over. My art is my way of participating in legacy-building—one brushstroke at a time.