John Akande

John Akande (b. 1955, Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian figurative artist known for his vibrant, expressive depictions of African culture and everyday life. Deeply influenced by the traditions and customs of his Lagos upbringing, Akande’s work celebrates the visual and emotional richness of his heritage. Though largely self-taught, he refined his practice through formal studies at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, where he earned a degree that expanded his creative scope. His paintings are distinguished by bold color, rhythmic composition, and a strong sense of cultural identity, reflecting his ongoing dialogue with both contemporary and traditional African aesthetics.