Olaniyi R. Akindiya known as Akirash
Portrais, 2015.
Artist Statement
Akirash’s work focuses on moments of time, fleeting moments that can be easily forgotten or transformed. His work reflects on rural versus urban life, the accelerated pace of development, and social infrastructure. He explores the personal and the universal, investigating the invisible systems of power that govern everyday existence. He utilizes a multitude of techniques and materials including repurpose objects which it result in mixed media painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, sound, performance. Ultimately, his work is designed to create comfort, peace, and solace. He believes that art can be a balm to the soul, revealing a quiet inner truth. His art is a reflection of the joys of life, directly inspired by rhythm, harmony, and the movement of daily existence.
Artist Biography
Celebrity, 2014.
Originally from Nigeria, Olaniyi R. Akindiya known as Akirash is a world-renowned multidisciplinary artist. For the last 15 years, he has won three international awards, seven grants, he has been featured in more than 10 solo shows, 50 group exhibitions, 28 performances, 20 artist residencies. He has been invited to many higher institutions as a visiting artist and has been written about in more than 60 articles and publications. He has created exhibitions in Texas, New York, Tanzania, South Africa, England, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Netherlands, Namibia, Russia, and Germany. Since 2012 he has been living in Austin, exhibiting his work at Co-lab, Mass Gallery, Fusebox, MOAH and Art on 5th.(text/courtesy Dimension Gallery, Austin).