Wisdom Garden Collection of Govt. of Manitoba
Acrylic and mixed-media with Remoglue on canvas
H30" by W40"
MFA
© 1998 - 2024 Yisa Akinbolaji. All Rights Reserved
Through the Mist Collection of Canada Life Assurance Company
Acrylic and mixed-media with Remoglue on canvas H40" by W40"
Worthy Treasure in Private Collection
Acrylic and mixed-media with Remoglue on canvas H36" by W48"
Reconstruction
Acrylic and mixed-media with Remoglue on canvas H30" by W40"
Who is In and Who is Out
YISA AKINBOLAJI MFA
P A I N T I N G - P R I N T M A K I N G - I N S TA L L A T I O N S
Wisdom Thread 2013 Collection of Dr. Adeyiza Momoh
Acrylic and mixed-media with Remoglue on canvas H36" by W48"
Featured in the Govt. of Alberta Education Curriculum page 31
According to the artist, the standout leaves in this painting represent humans who have broken through: those who conquer adversity, who persist with quiet strength, and who reach Àlùyọ—a breakthrough born of preparation, guidance, and opportunity. In Yoruba, Àlùyọ speaks to the joy and fulfillment that accompany such transformation. The artist, Yisa Akinbolaji, is himself a testament to this journey—one of the few distinguished individuals who has triumphed in the demanding field of visual arts, earning national and international recognition for his innovation and mentorship. In 2023 he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada.
This painting shows a vertical sweep of forest trees, their branches and leaves rendered with thoughtful intricacy. Though seemingly a simple scene from nature, the foliage carries deep symbolism: the leaves and branches represent humanity in motion—souls wandering in search of growth, truth, and fulfillment. The artist suggests that all humans are born as seekers, innately drawn to explore the unknown paths of life.
At the heart of the composition in this painting lie the principles of art—Balance, Unity, Variety, Emphasis, Movement, Pattern, and Proportion—applied with remarkable intention. These come to life most vividly in three radiant, oversized leaves bursting from the canvas. Their luminous forms push forward from the darker leaves in the background, creating powerful contrast that underscores their emergence. These leaves metaphorically capture the few who, through perseverance and the nurturing support of parents and learning environments beyond the home, rise above life’s shadows.
As humans are mere wanderers in this world, the painting is titled, Wanderer. Within Wanderer, the leaves are more than visual highlights; they embody the potential of the human spirit to not just wander—but to rise, thrive, and arrive.
Yisa Akinbolaji
