Liz Akerele

This opportunity was made for me because of my unique background.

My name is Elizabeth Abiola Olanrewaju Akerele and I am a second-generation immigrant. My mother moved here from Nigeria when she was just 20 years old, she had me in 1981 and due to her undiagnosed schizophrenia, I grew up in various homes across the country whilst her condition worsened. 

Throughout my childhood art was my only constant, creating things always gives me joy and an escape.

In 2002 I came out as a lesbian, I have suffered homophobia, racism and sexism from all walks of life and in all my jobs. It’s there, everyday within unconscious bias and micro aggressions but I like how the UK is slowly recognising it. In regards to homophobia I receive it the most from members of the black community on a regular basis. 

I supported myself through higher education and in 2003 graduated from UWIC, Howard Gardens Campus with a BA (Hons) degree in Ceramic Art. The realisation at that time that I couldn’t fully support myself as a full-time ceramic artist and keep a roof over my head was a horrible one but there was nothing open to me, that type of career at that age was only open to the privileged and that wasn’t me. I work full time now as a project manager, I own my own home and I was also able to get my mother the mental help she sorely needed.

I also found a way to keep art as my constant, I painted my first ever work in 2004 as gift for a friend when I couldn’t afford to buy one. The sketch books I used depicting ceramic projects turned into an abstract language which I translated on to canvas. Word caught on and I went on to paint commissions, I’ve done over 70 paintings since then and adopted the name AbstractAkerele. During lockdown I branched out to selling prints of my work.

I have a passion for what I do that can’t be squashed by the barriers my background has presented me with.

If successful at this programme I would like to achieve more by making my artistic voice louder and smarter and being part of an art community. Having a supportive, in-depth period of mentoring and self-development brings tears to my eyes. 

I have a talent; people wouldn’t buy my art if I didn’t, but it’s hard to keep up that momentum when a lot of the cards are stacked against me. I would like to explore new opportunities, use different mediums, such as clay and embroidery as well as paint to create a body of work to exhibit to the public which reflects my background and the city I live in. This mentoring  opportunity will not only give me a voice as a culturally diverse LGBTQIA+ female artist but also compliment the Cardiff community as a whole with art pieces paying homage to the overlooked sights of the city.

Thank you for reading.