Yisa’s painting technique aids to expand inclusion and deeper narratives
Channel: AYG
Date: 29/12/2011

Yisa Akinbolaji is an artist who is committed to social engagement. He is the founder and past president of the Creative Foundation Inc, Winnipeg. As also a change agent, Yisa believes that the duty of an artist should not be limited to the studio, rather, the artist should care and engage with the community. Yisa used his art to support (CNIB) Canadian National Institute for the Blind's mission with the mosaic installation, "Peace and Purpose" he donated to the institution. The artwork was valued at $25,000 in 2010 by the institution’s appraiser.  

Manitoba's 24th Lt. Gov. Hon. Philips S. Lee and The Nigerian High Commissioner, Prof Iyorwuese Hagher who traveled to Winnipeg from Ottawa were special guests at the opening of the installation at CNIB. Yisa later participated in two major shows in New York in November 2011. The artist was featured on the cover of Art Business News, New York in that same year recognizing his innovative painting technique. The two art exhibitions were organized as Artists Project New York and Art Expo New York, which witnessed over 2000 artists from around the globe.  Yisa's technique has now resulted in the development of his new water-based flexible gun for contemporary painting.

Before immigrating to Winnipeg, Canada in 1997, Yisa was recognized, with inclusion in "Nigerian Artists: A Who's Who and Bibliography" (1993), a publication of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington. D.C.

Between 1988 and 1997, Yisa taught Fine Art at the Lagos State Model College, Badore. In 1988 and 1989 he was adjunct Drawing and Painting Instructor at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, with Dr Deinde Agoro as H.O.D. Yisa has conducted workshops in his technique for professional artists' group in North America.

Yisa, a past president of the Manitoba Society of Artists has received several awards and his works are in private and public collections around the world. Yisa Akinbolaji was appointed to the board of Manitoba Arts Council on October 12, 2010, with 3-term extensions lasting till October 2019.