Yisa Akinbolaji

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I have engaged in extensive art practice: working in a variety of media (mixed media, oil, acrylic, and printmaking) and exhibiting in solo and group art exhibitions in public galleries and museums in Canada, the United States, and Nigeria. Before immigrating to Canada in 1997, I have had my work and biography included in Nigerian Artists: A Who’s Who and Bibliography (1993) compiled and edited by Bernice Kelly and Janet L. Stanley of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington. D.C In 1993, I began to explore a new technique. This technique involves the use of resist process – a process that best expresses my creative spirit and fuses the elements of Western and African art education and traditions. I obtained an M.F.A. in Visual Arts with distinction from the University of North Dakota, United States and a Diploma in Advertising Art from Red River College, Winnipeg, Canada. My professional art career began in Lagos where I studied Fine Arts at the Yaba College of Arts and Technology, majoring in painting, graduating in 1986. Some of my exhibitions, which have attracted significant media coverage, were in notable galleries such as the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Toronto; Nicole Gallery, Chicago; Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre, Winnipeg; Mennonite Heritage Center Gallery, Winnipeg; and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Yisa was elected to the membership of Manitoba Society of Artists in 2000, becoming its President in 2001 at the 100th Anniversary and serving until 2003. Other honors he received include: the McElroy-Edwards, Jackie Scholarship, USA (2008); the Valerie Fostey Memorial Award, Canada (1998); and the National Youth Service Chairman's Honour, Cross River State, Nigeria (1987). Artist’s STATEMENT: My art process, in painting or printmaking, is inspired by social encounter and my imagination. The creative processes of my work have become my visual journalism and therapy. I strive to establish a movement with my inventive resist technique that is inspired by Batik of Africa and Asia.

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