Illustrator Andy Akangah to Launch 3-Month Immersive Comic Art Exhibit 'Hip Hop Fusion'
Illustrator Andy Akangah to Launch
3-Month Immersive Comic Art Exhibit 'Hip Hop Fusion'
OTTAWA, ON, August 1, 2024 – Ottawa-based digital illustrator Andy Akangah announces his first-ever immersive comic art exhibition Hip Hop Fusion taking place from September 14, 2024 to December 14, 2024 at Urban Art Collective. Attendees can register via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3WoM30P
Funded by the City of Ottawa Cultural Funding Support Unit, Hip Hop Fusion invites viewers to rediscover the creativity of childhood through an interactive multimedia lens. From lenticular prints and projection mapping, to paper installations and vinyl art, plus colouring books for all ages, Akangah teams up with local esteemed artists Michaela van Beinum and Florencia Alba to transform his 2-dimensional comics to 3-dimensional form; Van Beinum, a pioneer in STEM, brings her expertise in production mapping to enhance the project's installations, while Alba, a paper artist with a passion for sustainability, will contribute her intricate paper artistry to breathe life into collaborative installations.
Akangah's vision draws inspiration from cultures spanning the globe, from Japan to South America, creating a dynamic fusion that promises to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Urban Art Collective, an organisation based in Hintonburg dedicated to providing accessible and barrier-free support for multidisciplinary artists, will host Hip Hop Fusion for three months with free admission to the public. The vernissage is set for September 14, 2024.
In addition to the immersive exhibit, Akangah will be offering weekly weekend digital comic book art classes tailored for ages 10-15. These drop-in classes, using readily available iPad software, aim to introduce fundamental digital art concepts and drawing skills, tapping into the rising popularity of comics and manga among youth.
Andy Akangah's commitment to redefining artistic boundaries and fostering community engagement has garnered widespread recognition, including a recent collaboration with the Ottawa Art Gallery for the 83 ‘til Infinity exhibit chronicling 40 years of hip-hop in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
PRESS CONTACT: ANDY AKANGAH | CREATE@THEAKARTS.COM
Andy Akangah: a self-taught illustrator from Benin now in Ottawa, blends global comic influences with hip-hop culture, advocating for digital art's inclusion in public places. His work, recognized by NBA and Microsoft, has been featured on CBC and CTV News.
Michaela van Beinum: an abstract artist and electrical engineer who brings forth captivating multimedia installations. With a passion for blending art and technology, Michaela pushes the boundaries of traditional artistic expression, crafting unique experiences through the fusion of projections, code, recycled materials, and limitless inspiration.
Florencia Alba: drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours and textures inherent in Mexican culture, she finds joy in witnessing plain sheets of paper metamorphose into diverse shapes and figures that narrate unique stories. Having worked three years in Mexico (her home country) and five years in Canada (her home now), she has accumulated over eight years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, such as Prada, Audi, Uber, Guerlain, The Westin Hotel, Ottawa Tourism and many others.
Urban Art Collective: founded by Lindsay and Jason Machinski in Ottawa, champions accessibility and local artists. They transform art into merchandise, curate gallery shows, and host engaging weekly art markets, fostering community connections.