5 Questions With Adekunle Adeleke
iCanvas artist Adekunle Adeleke creates surreal portraits of Black women and men. His distinctive blend of dreamy elements and African Ankara patterns puts a stunning spin on traditional portraiture.
Based in Nigeria, Adekunle Adeleke uses digital mediums to depict dignified African beauty. He compliments his subjects with everything from energetic patterns and vivid splashes of color, to natural components and modern accessories. The resulting works feature elements that either completely contrast or subtly merge with their focal point. From stoic beauty to bold style, each image exudes a poetic essence rooted in the celebration of Black beauty.
We’re proud to offer Adekunle Adeleke’s work on iCanvas, and wanted to take a minute to introduce you to the human behind the art.
Keep reading to get a taste of what inspires his work, the style of music he creates to, and other artists he appreciates. You might be surprised to learn what you have in common!
Who are 5 of your current favorite artists, living or dead?
Kehinde Wiley, Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Anders Zorn.
“Portrait of Mahogany Jones and Marcus” by Kehinde Wiley 
“Self-Portrait” by Vincent Van Gogh 
“Woman With A Pink” by Rembrandt 
“La Vierge Au Lys – The Virgin of Lillies” by William-Adolphe Bouguereau 
“Marie Kohn” by Anders Zorn
What band or musician would you listen to while creating your art?
Nigerian Fuji music, Afrobeats.
If you could master any other form of creative expression, what would it be?
Art!!
What is one person, one place, and one object that inspires you?
Person – My mother, Place – My city, Object – This may sound odd, but the Yoruba Open market.
What is something about you that others may be surprised to learn?
I am also a medical doctor.
Check out some of Adekunle Adeleke’s creations below, and click here to view his full iCanvas collection.
