Olaniyi R. Akindiya

Stadium

Mixed-media tapestry collage, painting, sculpture

“This project looks at one of the tools that unite people, make them to just be in that moment, no matter what [the] sport [is]... Reflecting on rural versus urban life and the accelerated pace of development, my art engages with themes of identity, history, socio-political issues, economy, trauma, and justice.

I find inspiration in the role textiles play in societies around the world, their economic and cultural significance, their patterns and color palettes, and the hidden meanings behind their creation… My work is about the journeys of everyday life and the invisible systems that govern them.”

— Olaniyi R. Akindiya

About the artist

Olaniyi R. Akindiya

American

Olaniyi Rasheed Akinya was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He earned his first BSC Degree in Biochemistry from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria (1991). Going on to study Fine and Applied Art at Institute of Textile Technology Arts & Design Lagos (1995), He now lives and work in Pflugerville, Texas.

Olaniyi is a recipient of Commissioned Palabras – Words sculpture for City of Desoto, Knowledge is power sculpture for City of Pflugerville Tx 2023, AR- Rashid sculpture for Travis County Plaza of Civil & Family court Austin 2022, ArtPrize installation artist honorary mentioned Grand Rapids MI, Contemporary Black art award, Grand Rapids MI 2021, TEMPO 21 City of Austin 2021, Red bull Arts, CERF+ 2020, Foundation for contemporary arts emergency grants 2021, 2020 & 2019, The Otis & Velma Davis Dozier Travel Grant Award From DMA 2019, E 51st Art in public space 2019, CORE Funding 2018, the Innovative Artist Award from (MAAA / NEA) 2017, Pollock Krasner Foundation 2016/17 & 2011, Santo Foundation grant 2015, and Commonwealth Connection Award UK 2011.

Olaniyi has been awarded residency in The McColl Center. NC, The McKinney International art & design Residency. IN, Virginia center for the creative Arts. VA, Coldhollow sculpture park. VT, 2023, The Pro Helvetica & TADA Residency Switzerland 2022, Facebook AIR in Austin, Crosstown Art 2018 & 19, Residency at ISCP NY 2016/17, Oklahoma State University Museum of Art 2015, UT in Austin 2015, Santa Fe Art Institute 2015, Hot box Austin TX 2014, Centraltrak Dallas 2013, Triangle Art Association NY 2012, Vytlacil of Art Students League NY, Vermont studio Center 2011, Art at the Heart Award 2016 & 17 Australia, Sacatar Instituto Brazil 2015, Kiosko Gallery Bolivia 2014, John Muafangejo Art Center Namibia 2013, Nafasi Art Space Tanzania 2012, Tupelo / Bag Factory South Africa 2012, Nirox Projects Space South Africa 2012, Thami Mnyele Foundation The Netherlands 2010.