Symbolic Smile Painting

Akanji Bolaji is a Nigerian figurative painter based in Lagos, Nigeria. His paintings are notable for the use of expressive plain and simplified background pattern inspired by cow print (cow skin). His styles is featured in surrealism and pop art with a weave of abstractionism; his way of exploring the complexity layers of blacks narrative beauty; his subjects are in surrealist form with the use of earth tone to reflect his African background as well as his black history and culture. His pattern works explore imagery in layered, seemless aesthetic cow patterns inspired by cow skin. Each piece feeds on the storyline of the perfect and imperfection of surreal moment, brought to life from years of experimentation and practice- the quest to finding an artistic signature style. My newly developed style, "pattern play" falls under the categorization of pop art, surrealism and abstractionism, and it is visioned to be developed into wider area of sculptures, collectibles and installation as its appreciation grows.