“Together, we can shape our future”

Are you “bubbled” in this world, do you go it alone? Or are two heads better than one? Illustrator Andy Akangah’s Kipnes Lantern commission for Black History Month explores these questions through themes of vulnerability, self-imposed isolation, and cultural identity.

Akangah is an Ottawa-based artist and CEO of a hip hop inspired streetwear line, AKARTS. His Kipnes Lantern commission, Two Heads Are Better Than One, explores male vulnerability and its impact on relationships, communication and intimacy. 

“I wanted to address the feeling of cultural misunderstanding and the importance of being truly seen, felt, and welcomed.... While Africans may come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, we share a common history. Together, we can shape our future.”

Akangah, whose work has been recognized by the National Basketball Association and Microsoft, has long admired the Kipnes Lantern and has even looked for ways to have his illustrations on display. Little did he know that the artistic admiration was mutual and that a collaboration was already on our radar.

He recently sat down with Kondwani Mwase, Director of Audience Engagement at the NAC for a podcast on his artistic work. “In the piece…there’s a Black guy and he’s with a Black woman and it’s about how they come from similar backgrounds, but they don’t see eye to eye. Which happens in African culture and across all cultures... It was almost healing to do something that speaks to my heritage and explore a bit more of my roots.”

Akangah, whose family hails from Ghana and Benin, is one of the many artists whose works will be featured over the course of February as we celebrate Black History Month. From Canada’s Queen of R&B Jully Black to NAC English Theatre’s Controlled Damage, a play honouring the life of trailblazing Canadian civil rights figure Viola Desmond, there’s something on our stages for everyone.

Black History Month at the NAC! Join us as we honour and celebrate with Black artists, audiences and experiences through performances, workshops, discussions, and more! 


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