Andy Akangah | Illustrator & Designer

BIO

Andy Akangah is a self-taught published illustrator from Benin living in Ottawa. He is currently the CEO of AKARTS, a hip-hop inspired streetwear line that has already caught the eye of A-list celebrities like Timothée Chamalet, The Weeknd and Director X.

Andy is captivated by the art styles in comic books, manga, and anime and decided to combine these genres with his love of hip hop. His designs are well known for their bold colors, pop culture references, and unique details. His work has been recognized by NBA, Microsoft, Complex, AT&T, Faces Magazine, NRML, and Esquire.

He also finds it amusing to refer to himself in the third person.

Curriculum VitaE

Andy Akangah (b.1996)
create@theakarts.com

Education
Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing, University of Ottawa / 2014-2018

Solo ExhibitionS
Culture Illustrated / Behaviour Collective / Ottawa, Ontario / April-August 2022
Hip-Hop Fusion / Urban Art Collective / Ottawa, Ontario / September-December 2024

Group Exhibitions
83 til' Infinity: 40 Years of Hip Hop in the Ottawa-Gatineau Region / Ottawa Art Gallery / Ottawa, Ontario / July 2023-February 2024
We do not dream of labour / Ottawa Art Gallery / Ottawa, Ontario / August-September 2023
How I Love You / Ottawa Art Gallery / Ottawa, Ontario / August-September 2022

Awards and Grants
City of Ottawa / Cultural Initiatives Division Grant / 2023
City of Ottawa / Grow Grant - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund / 2024

Teaching
Guest Speaker / How to Sell Your Art / Fleming College Haliburton School of Art +Design / Summer 2023
Guest Lecturer / International Business / University of Ottawa / Fall 2022

Pop-Ups
NRML Rideau, Ottawa, Ontario / 2019, 2022

Clients: NBA, Microsoft, AT&T, Complex, SALXCO, Atlético Ottawa, Ottawa Art Gallery, City of Ottawa