Stories Wrapped in Pigment — with John Akande

As an artist, I was genuinely drawn to John Akande’s work from the moment I encountered it. There is a sincerity and emotional presence in his pieces that invite attention and reflection. That feeling stayed with me long enough that I eventually reached out to him about joining the ARTssembly. I sent him a message on Instagram—and to my surprise, he replied within minutes. We scheduled a video call for the following day, which turned into a truly pleasant and enriching exchange.

During our conversation, John spoke with humility about his journey and his practice. While acknowledging his growth, he emphasized something I deeply respect: that his progress is rooted in consistency, curiosity, and daily artistic discipline. For him, creation is not only inspiration, but a long-term commitment to refining his voice.

John Akande is a figurative artist whose vibrant works explore and celebrate natural African culture through a contemporary lens. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, his early inspirations came both from his environment and from the artistic influence of an older sibling.

Blending expressionism with touches of realism, John works across acrylic, oil, and mixed media. His bold use of color and visual storytelling give his pieces a strong visual identity while maintaining an emotional softness that many viewers find resonant. Influenced by music and cartoons, his works carry both energy and warmth. He has exhibited locally and internationally and continues to steadily develop his place within contemporary African art.

It was a real pleasure connecting with John and learning more about the path behind the work. I’m grateful to welcome his vision into this platform and to follow the evolution of his practice.

Let his colors speak to your spirit—discover the art of John Akande here and invite the beauty of contemporary African expression into your space.

Follow him at: https://www.instagram.com/akandejjohn/

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)