Akindele John: Creating art is a lifelong commitment

When I first saw his paintings, I was fascinated by how Nigerian artist Akindele John balances the ordinary and the sacred. His glorified figures celebrate Blackness and the beauty of being human. The loose, expressive brushstrokes, the use of chiaroscuro, and floral patterns make the metaphoric artist's voice genuinely unique and recognizable.

What was your primary purpose in creating artwork?

My father, also an artist, inspired my passion for art from a young age. I found a collection of his drawings, particularly one depicting a lioness and her cub, which beautifully illustrated their bond. This fueled my interest in animal drawings and motivated me to recreate my visions whenever I had a blank piece of paper. Then, this motivated me to explore my creativity and pursue formal education in the arts.

How did you find your techniques?

I'm eager to explore various mediums to find what resonates with each artwork. My education encouraged experimenting with materials like charcoal, pastels, and oil paints. I stepped outside my comfort zone to understand mixing mediums, which has become a rewarding part of my artistic journey.

Tell me a bit more about your creative process.

Creating artwork involves various processes, but the goal is paramount. I often start by preparing the canvas, which feels like becoming a layered surface ready for expression. I explore different mediums, primarily using acrylic for its water-based properties and finishing with oil for a harmonious blend. Most of my creativity happens directly on the canvas through this effective layering technique.

Let's talk about your figures. How do you balance them between the ordinary and sanctuary?

Balancing everyday life with spiritual pursuits is an ongoing, highly personal process. It requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. Achieving this balance is not easy; it involves harmonizing aspects like spirituality and everyday responsibilities. Cultivating awareness, practicing patience, and being open to change are crucial in this journey.

Your paintings convey an important and positive message—that every human being has a light within.

As a Christian, I am deeply connected to this idea. My artworks are inspired by the struggles of life, including the concept of giving up. These themes resonate with me, and I feel comfortable exploring them. Spending time in church has taught me the importance of patience in learning from these experiences. Balancing these two aspects—spirituality and everyday life—is easier for me because I have a sense of security in that knowledge.

Since you mentioned patience, I'm curious what you think about the silence in your paintings.

As an African man, I feel compelled to voice my concerns about Africans in the diaspora and our culture. Creating art amidst distractions can be challenging, but my work focuses on expressing my African identity. I celebrate our authentic culture and rich heritage, using metaphors related to my Christian beliefs. Spiritual elements like candles and sashes symbolize the guiding light in my art. They also symbolize the ability to open up or reveal a clear space. So, they're truly a metaphor for enlightenment.

In a work of mine, I've incorporated balloons to celebrate. I see balloons as symbols of celebration; they serve as a metaphor for joy and keeping our spirits alive. Additionally, in some compositions, you'll notice a dove. The dove stands for peace and hope. Overall, these compositions feel very joyful.

Mostly, you paint women. How do you regard them in your culture?

The concept of respect and regard really brought my attention to representing women in my culture. We celebrate our diversity; there is a beautiful spectrum of looks. Women are incredibly attractive and gorgeous in their physical presence. I appreciate their beauty and aim to reflect that in my art.

How do you think about beauty in general?

In my work, I see the role of beauty as akin to royalty. This idea inspired me to convey my story through my design process. I use various elements to enhance the overall impact of my work. Design elements are crucial in attracting attention and creating a compelling composition. In essence, the role of beauty is fundamental to my work, and I incorporate these elements conceptually and physically.

I love music and play the piano. Just like melodies, colors can harmonize beautifully when combined. As an artist, creating emotionally resonant work is essential. Art should evoke joy and connect with its audience. Seeing my musician friend reminds me of my color theory studies. Art touches our souls, and I feel immense pride when I hear him play guitar. I often invite him to my studio, hoping to collaborate and create something vibrant and sweet.

And how do you depict men in your paintings? I'm curious how you think about masculinity.

Masculinity is an interesting topic, especially as I continued my education in the school of arts. Recently, we have been focusing more on human figures, and I became fascinated by muscles and their significance, particularly in relation to African culture as a whole. The ideas we discussed reminded me of the connections between strength and protection, acting as a shield in various contexts.

How do you use the Blackness in your artwork?

The use of black and white appears in all my pieces, even those with lighter tones. I intentionally highlight black to emphasize and honor our history, reminding people of the struggles and contributions of Black individuals. Ultimately, my goal is to celebrate Blackness and the African heritage, to acknowledge the legacy of those who fought for our rights and to reinforce that they truly matter.

What does Black Joy mean to you?

I take pride in celebrating the joy of being Black and the importance of hard work. As a proud African, I feel deeply connected to my heritage and my people. Recognizing this every day brings me peace, energy, and love. Ultimately, embracing our identity will lead to opportunities reflecting our rich culture.

I love how you use a vibrant palette.

I explore colors through combinations and observations, experimenting with various tones and palettes to create vibrant effects. My focus on high-contrast colors, predominantly black and white, allows for striking contrasts with lighter shades. This experimentation has led to unique color combinations that enhance the emotional depth of my artwork. My use of color reflects my personal experiences. While I appreciate earthy tones like turmeric, I find black and white particularly adventurous, advocating for their use in my art and life.

You can also play with the lights; that reminds me of the chiaroscuro technique.

The focus on the lights in the artwork serves as a tool for connection. I keep trying to create a natural appeal that draws the viewers' attention. When I place an intense spotlight on the surface of an object, it compels viewers to investigate its source, creating an attraction. I've decided that if I'm not satisfied with the lights, I will reapply them. So, I want the light to stick.

And what about the eyes of your figures?

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and in portraiture, they must be the focal point to capture the subject's essence. My goal is for the eyes in my artwork to engage viewers, establishing a connection that resonates deeply. I focus on the gaze of my figures to invite exploration and meaning. For instance, a turned-away face encourages closer inspection.

What is the meaning of the halo around your figures? How did you find this symbol?

I took time to learn how to weave halos into my artwork. Initially, I used charcoal to celebrate Black figures and African culture, inspired by the interplay of light and dark. As I explored different styles, I incorporated yellow, which stands out beautifully against other colors. I also confronted the challenge of carving out my own voice within the trend of depicting Black figures.

The idea of using halos as a background came from a Bible verse about the significance of our work, as well as the reverence for the head in African culture. Many experiences along my journey felt like a light guiding me through the darkness, and the halo became a metaphor for sustenance and protection, emphasizing the importance of safety and illumination in our lives.

How do you use the patterns in your works?

These floral designs are elements of design inspired by nature. I know of some flowers that have a wonderfully pleasant smell. They offer a lot of beauty, and as I create various art pieces, I aspire to evoke this sensory experience for my viewers. The inspiration for my art comes from ancient Egypt, where the use of floral designs was prominent.

How does the environment inspire you?

For me, the environment plays a significant role. I thrive in a cultural setting that encourages me to express my thoughts and ideas, essentially shaping my perspective. Nature actually affects me, too. I see nature as a concept of beauty. The natural environment around me, filled with blooming flowers and lush plants, profoundly enriches my outlook positively.

The backgrounds of your works are very flat, and I don't see specific indoor or outdoor spaces.

I don't find painting landscapes interesting; it's not that I can't paint them; I just personally don't find them appealing. During my time in school, I developed a keen eye for outdoor spaces, and while I could incorporate landscapes into my work, I choose not to because they don't resonate with me. I find patterns far more intriguing. Additionally, I appreciate the use of flat colors in open spaces. The flatness allows for a sense of openness, creating an environment for exploration. I believe these backgrounds help to highlight the figures.

Your loose, playful lines and soft brushstrokes make your artwork very recognizable.

I see myself as an impressionist thinker and find impressionism to be very expressive. My lines and brushstrokes reflect this style, which is the characteristic of impressionism. This approach makes my workflow distinct from other artists. I enjoy creating effects in my artwork, and I believe that the viewers play an essential role in this process. I invite them to use their eyes to complete the movement of my brushes, which engages the audience on a deeper level. I want them to be curious about how I achieved specific effects and what is happening within the artwork.

While I appreciate realism, traditional realistic paintings are too rigid and composed for my taste. I desire freedom in my artistic expression. Ultimately, I want my work to be a reflection of my expressive nature, using all these techniques to convey that freedom.

You were exhibited in the US before. What kind of feedback did you get?

It was an exciting moment in my life as I presented my first exhibition in the United States. The event garnered great feedback and interest in African culture, focusing primarily on women, as they represent humanity. My works showcased how African culture celebrates women's courage and strength, highlighting their athleticism and abilities. It was a proud celebration of our identity and values.

What is your main goal as an artist?

Creating art is a lifelong commitment, and my goal is to grow and improve through my work. Success is an evolving process, and I aim to produce impactful art that helps others remember their past and shares their stories. I want my creations to resonate with people and represent the experiences of Africans, joining a lineage of artists who give voice to our collective narratives.

What are you currently working on?

I recently shared my new work, titled "A Meditation." Before creating it, I meditate to reflect on my experiences from the busy last quarter. The piece is a self-portrait of me holding a coded book, enhanced by a red pot to draw attention. While I'm not currently working on anything specific, I have many ideas sketched out. I often write poems to accompany my artwork, outlining everything beforehand to explore the emotions behind the words and images.