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 the NBA, Microsoft, Complex, Polaris Music Prize, SALXCO and Esquire.
He also finds it amusing to refer to himself in the third person.

Curriculum VitaE
Andy Akangah (b.1996)
create@theakarts.com
create@theakarts.com
Education
Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing, University of Ottawa / 2014-2018
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
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
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
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
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
NRML Rideau, Ottawa, Ontario / 2019, 2022
Clients: NBA, Microsoft, AT&T, Complex, SALXCO, Atlético Ottawa, Ottawa Art Gallery, City of Ottawa





PRESS
CBC - OCTOBER 19, 2024
Afrofuturism celebrated at National Gallery of Canada art conference
Afrofuturism celebrated at National Gallery of Canada art conference
APT613 - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
Art that comes to life: a look into AKARTS’ Hip-Hop Fusion exhibition
Art that comes to life: a look into AKARTS’ Hip-Hop Fusion exhibition
CBC - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
Hip Hop Fusion Art Tour
Hip Hop Fusion Art Tour
CTV News - July 19, 2023
Comic book by Andy Akangah for "83 'til Infinity" exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery
Comic book by Andy Akangah for "83 'til Infinity" exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery
FACES MAGAZINE - MARCH 1, 2022
The Spring Issue
The Spring Issue
SHIFTER MAGAZINE - JANUARY 21, 2022
ANDY AKANGAH, CEO OF "AKARTS" STREETWEAR LINE
COMPLEX - NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Meet the Ottawa Artist Turning Rappers Into Comic Book Superheroes
ANDY AKANGAH, CEO OF "AKARTS" STREETWEAR LINE
COMPLEX - NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Meet the Ottawa Artist Turning Rappers Into Comic Book Superheroes
AT&T - #HISTORYBYUS - FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Why Conscious Hip-Hop Has Never Been More Alive
Why Conscious Hip-Hop Has Never Been More Alive