For more than two decades, Yisa Akinbolaji has engaged in extensive art practice: working in a variety of media (mixed media, oil, acrylic, printmaking and mosaic installation) and exhibiting in solo and group art exhibitions in public galleries and museums in Canada, the United States, and Nigeria. His art has been inspired by the unyielding complexity of life faced by everyday people.

 

 

In 1993, He began to explore a new technique. This technique involves the use of resist process – a process that best expresses his creative spirit and fuses the elements of Western and African art education and traditions. The ability of this technique to reveal the beauty that lies beneath the surface also exemplifies his message of hidden treasures that abound in everyone including the disadvantaged.

 

Since moving to Canada in 1997, Yisa have continued to practice his art with great devotion, displaying in group and solo shows consistently, and conducting art workshops within Canada and the United States. He obtained a Diploma in Advertising Art from Red River College, Winnipeg, Canada and an M.F.A. in Visual Arts with distinction from the University of North Dakota, United States.  His professional art career began in Lagos where he studied Fine Arts at the Yaba College of Arts and Technology, majoring in painting, graduating in 1986.

 

 

 

Artist’s STATEMENT:

My art process, in painting or printmaking, is inspired by social encounter and my imagination. My creations and the creative process have become my therapy and visual journalism vehicle. My art is dominated by social and political commentary. My non figurative art is spontaneous and textural. I use my art to draw attention to the human condition, especially subjects that are often overlooked or ignored.  I uncover social and political injustice using my canvas and highlight the dignity of the everyday person. My visual interpretation evokes action. Through my artwork, I share in the struggle of my subjects. I strive to advance my technique.