Held by the night “Garden of self

Akintomide Akinshola (b. 1995) is a contemporary visual artist from a lineage of crop farmers in the historic city of Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria. He currently lives and works in Lagos. From a young age, he showed a deep curiosity for art, experimenting with everyday materials to express his imagination. This early passion guided him toward a degree in Fine and Applied Arts Education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.Over the years, Akintomide has participated in several group exhibitions both in Nigeria and abroad, steadily building a distinctive visual language. Akintomide’s artistic practice explores identity, culture, and the complexities of human relationships. Through the use of ink and acrylic compositions, he creates figurative pieces that reveal the beauty, fragility, and resilience of human bonds. His exaggerated facial features, especially the nose serve as both personal symbol and narrative device, rooted in childhood experiences of being taunted, yet transformed into marks of strength and individuality.Influenced by his environment, cultural heritage, and personal experiences, Akintomide captures intimate scenes that invite reflection on how relationships shape and transform us. He also brings together African and non-African fabric patterns, reimagining their historical and cultural connections. Through this fusion, his art becomes both a celebration of shared humanity and a visual dialogue on identity, belonging, and the power of connection.