Nov. 28, 2019

Digital Gallery: Akintayo Akintobi Stirs Nostalgia With His Artistry

When I first saw Akintayo's artwork, I couldn't help but feel that there is something tangible and solid in the Nigerian artist's work. Something relatable in it's Africanness. The subjects look like you or someone you know. They tell a story you've heard before; it was almost like they were echoing the words of my mother and her mother before her. He stirs a little nostalgia with his artworks as his message is reminiscent of the values instilled in us in our childhood. His art speaks an old wisdom. -Rahma Seif

Lady Blue

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Size: 42inches x 42inches

Year: 2019

It's said that nothing lasts forever...

Beauty doesn't last forever, just like a rose when it gets to it's full blossom, then it's petals starts falling and withering off. People who get attracted to you because of your beauty, possessions or nice body wont be by your side forever, but the people who understand your true nature and see how beautiful your heart is will never leave you.

Rooster's call

Medium: Acrylic on mat weaving

Size : 30inches x 36inches

Year: 2019

It's a beautiful day, wake up! Wake up!! Wake up!!! Get to the business of the day, for time waits for no man.

Such is the rooster's call. The African alarm that signifies time. Only the lazy and the dead refuse the call of the rooster, for it is a call to step into the unknown.

Unbreakable bond

Medium: Acrylic on textured canvas

Size : 42inches x 42inches

Year: 2018

As hard as men might try to imagine it, the extraordinary experience of bringing a life into this world is something only women can truly understand. The love and bond between a mother and a child is so sacred, it is quite hard to put into words. From breastfeeding, to sleeplessness nights, always being caring and giving advice and finally to unending prayers, even when the child leaves her to start a family of their own. The bond between mother and child will always be one of the strongest. A mother’s love is unconditional, unselfish and knows no end.

Hidden Emotions, Unspoken Words

Medium: Acrylic on textured canvas

Size : 42inches x 36inches

Year: 2018

Each person masks their emotions differently, some are conscious of it while some are not. Wearing a mask to hide our emotions takes away our natural personality and changes us gradually. It takes energy from our consciousness and, in the long run, wears out our energy. Some people will get weak and tired of wearing the mask, while some will have a new identity.

Faith In Your Hands

Medium: Acrylic on textured canvas

Size : 42inches x 36inches

Year: 2018

This piece tries to demystify self-belief no matter what religion or faith you belong to. Self-belief is confidence in your own abilities or judgment. Self-belief is the first step to progress, development, achievement and success. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. You have to believe in yourself even when no one else does and that right there, makes you a winner.