Hailing from the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria, Patrick Akpojotor's artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by the dynamic urban landscape that he grew up in. His abstract compositions seamlessly merge elements of architectural design with the personal history of Akpojotor’s past.

Growing up amid the towering architecture and winding streets of Lagos, Akpojotor developed an early fascination with the names and stories behind the city's buildings and streets. This fascination gave way to an artistic approach that is concerned with bridging the gap between the architecture around him and the people within its walls. Akpojotor’s process is a historically mindful one, representing however abstractly the essence of traditional, colonial, and contemporary architecture that defines Lagos, Nigeria. It is also a personal process; Patrick states, “The doors, the windows, pillars and stairs [of the run down buildings  in Lagos] drew me to want to explore the spaces as a child; playing on the stairs, scaling the fence and just having fun in the spaces.” For Patrick, such discovery served as a means of developing both a community and his own artistic imagination.

On the conception of his show, Patrick shares: “Through this work, I seek to capture the essence of wanderlust and the insatiable desire to explore the unknown. I depict the fascination of uncharted territories, whether they be physical landscapes or metaphorical worlds of self-discovery.  I also, however, examine the obstacles and barriers that can hinder our exploration and personal growth. These barriers can manifest as geographical boundaries, cultural differences, societal expectations, or personal fears. Through my art, I aim to shed light on the impact of these barriers, exploring how they shape our experiences and influence our sense of self."

Akpojotor’s skillful use of geometry and architectural elements serves as a visual bridge connecting the past and present, heritage and progress and real and imagined space. Through his method of layering multiple colors, shades and shapes, Akpojotor is able to play around with perspective on canvas; as such, his works are not mere representations but invitations to contemplate the intricate relationship between our built surroundings and the memories and identities they shape.