Meet Olaniyi Akindiya | Visual Artist, Performer & Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olaniyi Akindiya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olaniyi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursue artistic career to contribute to comfort of everyone around the world, human or not, I carry the issues that affect us all in me , remember them , branding these scars on my heart as symbols for possibility of rebirth, for growth, for strength and hope. My work focuses on time, fleeting moments that can be easily forgotten or transformed. Reflecting on rural versus urban life, the accelerated pace of development and infrastructure, performative activities play around social subjectivities with identity, immigration components that break down conventional barriers. my explore the invisible systems of power that govern everyday existence, my work is designed to create comfort, peace, and solace. I believes that art can be a balm to the soul, revealing a quiet inner truth. My art is a reflection of the joys of life, directly inspired by rhythm, harmony, and the movement of daily existence. I tell stories that address issues that affect us all around the world, or those that are at the forefront in the particular society in which I find myself. I try to expand the presentation of the artworks to educate and engage a larger audience by creating an immersive experience that explores the ideas at hand in multiple ways. I believe art is an instrument to question and search for solutions – to dig out the truth without violence.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My creative works build upon Moments. I am Afraid of true, I always think , question every second i spent on earth did I do it right, did I hurt someone today, how many people did I bring smile to their face today? I am hopeful about the future and next, totally hopeless. my resiliency is far outstrips my talent, What is success when my neighbors go to bed without food, they are homeless, they can’t pay for medications. They can’t even get closer to me, that everyday i want all for myself no matter what, how. what is success when the world around me is filled with pandemic, pains, sorrow, death. This are things that keep me awake every seconds of my career and I look for solution , be the voice to open dialogue, reached out to people who can be of help, who can use their power, status to take part of these pain away. This is what set me part. Nothing Good in life is easy, but with the power of courage, never give up attitude, stand up whenever you fall, not afraid to put your life online for others to have peace this is me Akirash and this is what i want us all to have in mind everyday and see how possible to use whatever, how little no matter how small it maybe to make these world a better place for us, next generation coming.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If i have a friend visiting, my favorite places to show them, places where we can visit, Art from the street, is an Homeless space where people paint, creates art and they eat together, share common goal of love, this will be place to take a friend to visit, volunteer his or her time even for a second. It will remind him/ her what we need to thanks for, What blessing they have. I will take them to local eat spot which have small kiosk and will treat you to traditional , culture food , which will cost little and you will enjoy it and also be yourself. I will want my friend/s to visit people who are making different in the society , hear them talk, share ideas without fear or something to gain in return, open your mind to world around you that you never know it exist. Visit provoking art exhibition that will leave you speechless.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One tree do not make a forest, to be somebody to achieve greatness it take a whole communities. If I have to start naming names i will not have enough space to do it. but I will like to first give thanks to my creator who give me strength, wisdom, knowledge to keep going in the time of hard, failure and when everything is dark and there is no place or people to turn to it give me HOPE as light to believe there is possibility, when failure arrive at my door, I use failure as the stepping stone to success. I want to thanks everyone that my part has cross, You all in every corner of the world you are my success. My Brother “Oladiji Kazeem Akindiya” was there when no one in the world has never hear of my name and his my first one fan. My love Michelle Lynn Akindiya for everything , patience, confident, supports and to everyone that i have used your stories and turn them to creative art works that engage, educate, learning tools, wake up call for better life around the world this is dedicate to you all, without you there will not be ‘The Akirash” ENIYAN LASO MI.

Website: www.artwithakirash.com
Instagram: artwithakirash
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artwithakirash-studio-3301b119/
Twitter: akirash1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artwithakirash
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/artrule
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artwithakirash/_saved/