About Akinyele Samuel :
Tell us about your artistic background and experience. What led you to pursue art as a creative outlet?:
I started drawing back in primary school. It wasn’t something anyone pushed me into, I just loved it. I would draw on any paper I found, simply because it made me happy. As I grew older, that passion became part of my identity. Over time, I moved from simple sketches to charcoal portraits, pastel work, and eventually oil painting on canvas. Art has always been my way of expressing myself and making sense of the world around me.
What inspires you as an artist? Are there specific themes or subjects that you find yourself drawn to?:
People inspire me the most, their stories, their expressions, their everyday struggles and joys. That is why I love portraiture. But I am also drawn to imagining the future, especially how society could evolve. One of my favourite themes is “Future Possibilities.” For example, I created a painting imagining the future of Lagos with cable cars and advanced transport systems that could reduce traffic and make life easier. I enjoy combining reality with imagination.
What do you hope to communicate or evoke through your art? Is there a specific message or emotion that you strive to convey to your audience?
Through my art, I try to communicate hope, reflection, and the idea that things can be better than they are now. Whether I’m painting a person or a cityscape, I want viewers to feel something, maybe inspiration, curiosity, or even comfort. My message is simple: the world can improve, and we can imagine better versions of it.
Are there any particular artists or art movements that have influenced your work? How have they shaped your artistic perspective?
I admire artists like Kelvin Okafor for his mastery of realism, his work encourages me to push myself. I also draw inspiration from Jean-Michel Basquiat for his boldness and freedom of expression, and David Hockney for his use of colour and perspective. They have influenced how I balance detail with creativity in my own work.
How do you handle criticism or feedback on your artwork? How do you use it to grow and improve as an artist?
I see criticism as part of the journey. It doesn’t discourage me; instead, it helps me grow. When people point out things I can improve, I take it seriously. I look at their feedback and think about how to apply it to my next work. Each painting teaches me something new, so I’m always learning and improving.
Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for your artistic career? How do you plan to pursue them?
My goal is to develop my art career further, take part in more exhibitions, and reach a wider audience. I want my work to spark conversations and maybe even inspire change in how people see their environment. I plan to keep practicing, learning new techniques, and collaborating with other artists. Consistency and growth are my focus.
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