Hakeem Olayinka

Bio: Hakeem Olayinka is a Nigerian-American artist, born in Washington, D.C. In 2019, he graduated with a BFA from the School of Art & Design at SUNY Purchase. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

Artist Statement: Hakeem has a focus in painting though his work often takes on other forms like sculpture and installation. However, the work remains visually cohesive. Hakeem Olayinka paints portraits of Black figures often using himself as the subject. The figures are often masked or adorned in vibrant colors with the paint itself becoming the object that heals and protects the subject. In this work, we are reminded of the emotional and psychological stress of everyday life.

Social: @hak.olayinka