Don't leave me, 2024

David Akolo  

David Akolo is a contemporary visual artist based in Nigeria who works primarily with acrylics. He initially turned to visual art as a vital form of personal therapy—a creative sanctuary to navigate and distance himself from challenging societal ills. Under the direct mentorship and guidance of his brother, Emmanuel, David developed his creative foundations and technical approach, channeling his personal experiences into a dedicated studio practice.

Akolo's paintings beautifully intersect figurative realism with a loose, atmospheric impressionism. His technique employs expressive brushwork and rich textures to build deeply emotional compositions.

Deeply focused on the psychological landscape of the human condition, David's practice explores themes of shared community, inner strength, and personal vulnerability. By leaving distinct facial features ambiguous or entirely unrendered, his subjects transcend specific identities, speaking instead to universal human experiences, internal contemplation, and the silent emotions we all carry. Ultimately, his art serves as a therapeutic storytelling medium designed to foster deeper empathy and mutual understanding.