Mere et Fille

Emmanuel Akolo

2023 • Nigeria • Acrylic on Canvas

20 x 24 in

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Emmanuel Akolo

Nigeria

Artist highlights

Local Artist
Featured in gallery curations
Works on commission

Discover the creation in interiors

Artwork details

Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Other details : Unmounted artwork. Mounting and/or framing available on request.
Dimensions : 20x24in

About this artwork

Mere et Fille is a tender visual exploration of the foundational bond between mother and child. Captured from a rear perspective, the work focuses on the intricate beauty of traditional braided hairstyles, woven with vibrant red roses that symbolize growth, love, and the "sweet kisses" of maternal care. This composition honors the quiet, protective presence of a mother—the one who "hush’d me in her arms to rest"—celebrating the intimate physical… and emotional connection that grounds a child’s early life.

The painting utilizes a minimalist white background to keep the focus entirely on the warmth of the subjects and the rhythmic patterns of their hair. The striking contrast of the deep black hair against the soft pink of their garments and the bold red of the flowers reflects a sanctuary of "sweet affection." Mere et Fille is a tribute to the enduring legacy of maternal devotion, capturing the serene, unspoken strength transferred through generations.

Emmanuel Akolo

Nigeria

Credentials

Local Artist
Featured in gallery curations
Works on commission

Akolo Emmanuel Olusegun is a Nigerian-born, Niagara-based contemporary artist who transitioned from a background in Civil Engineering to a profound practice in figurative painting. Blending realism with impressionism, he utilizes acrylics, charcoals, and his own fingerprints to explore themes of identity, social justice, and human resilience. His work is characterized by earthy tones, bold contrasts, and expressive brushwork that documents personal and collective struggles.

Recognized by Saatchi Art as one of the "23 Artists to Collect in 2023"—the only Nigerian selected—he also won "Best in Show" at the 2025 Niagara Falls City Awards. His art has been exhibited internationally and is featured globally via digital licensing on LG Gallery TV+ and Samsung Frame TV. Held in private collections from Canada to China, Akolo’s work serves as a tool for empathy, fostering connection across racial and cultural divides.

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