Is there anything he can't do? This 18-year old student is bursting with talent and energy. He is currently a full-time student attending the University of St. Martin. He inspires others, as he fills his time with many different artistic and positive activities.
Where are you from?
I was born right here on beautiful St. Maarten.
How long have you been drawing/painting?
Since the age of one, I drew on everything in my path; from marking walls with crayons to even painting pictures on walls. I endowed my talent and developed it each day.
Where did you attend school?
I attended the Methodist Agogic Centre and then the St. Maarten Academy (academic section). Throughout my school years, I entered many art competitions and not only did I win, but many persons became astounded by my work. By the time I was 16, my level of art could be compared to that of a professional. At the age of 17, I started selling my artwork.
What kind of paintings do you do?
My self-taught paintings are known for their mysterious use of colour that expresses thought provoking feelings to touch the hearts of everyone who sees them. My specialty is drawing portraits; drawing portraits is one of the hardest tasks in art and I consider myself more than qualified to do the job with a high level of accuracy.
What mediums do you use?
I use HB2 pencils and charcoal to draw portraits. My favourite medium is acrylic paint; however, I have painted with oil paint, oil pastels and water paint. My paintings are animated, youthful, perplexed and filled with emotion, whether reflecting sadness, anger, tranquillity or even happiness.
Why should people own one of your paintings?
I am able to complete a masterpiece with many striking qualities by using sharp points and thin lines, splattering paint or using bold colours, all in the hopes that the viewers are able to feel the same feelings I experienced when painting the masterpiece. I can be described as a perfectionist; this can be seen in my work. My different styles of painting include portraiture, abstract, expressionism, impressionism, pointillism, surrealism and realism. I have yet to discover my signature style of painting, but hope to in due time.
How do you prepare yourself and get ideas for your paintings?
Before painting, I research different topics, theories, and values which result in my paintings having so many meanings behind them. I enjoy hearing the many different interpretations as well as critiques that people give about my paintings. Hearing critique doesn't bother me because I know this is what will make me better. I have worked with other artists on the island such as local surrealist painter Stephanie Tihanyi.
Who are your favourite artists?
My favourite artists are Pablo Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci, Claude Monet, Stephanie Tihanyi and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
So you're not only an artist, you dance as well, please tell us about this!
I explored my Cuban, Jamaican and Chinese background and realized that there was a streak of dancing in my genes. I dance hip hop, krumping, contemporary and miming. Hard to believe, but most of my dance skills were self-taught, and I never joined a dance school.
What events, shows, etc. have you participated in so far?
Recently, I have performed with my group "Hydrolics Dance Crew" for Mr and Mrs Summer, an annual show attended by almost 1,000 people; I've acted in many church plays as well as local plays such as "The Other Side" – a Jamaican play written and produced by Oniel Dippozit Richards. I also played one of the main characters in "Virtuous," another stage play produced by Richards.
Do you have any other projects lined up at the moment?
I will be in the upcoming American drama "The River Niger" written by Joseph A. Walker and directed by Felix Fleming. This play is a full length drama set in Harlem, New York, in 1972.
What are your plans/dreams for the future?
I hope to further my education in Holland or England. My dream is to become a world renowned architectural engineer.
Is there anything you can't do?
I wish I could sing, but I can't!
In the process of growing up, Akeem realized that his passion was not just painting or drawing, but other expressive arts such as dancing, miming, acting, poetry, and even modeling. Akeem has been involved in the community in various functions such as Art in the Park, Arts in the Plaza and Childfest family fun day. Akeem also airbrushes as a hobby and enjoys graphic designing. He has designed logos for local businesses such as Flamboyant Broadcasting. Contact Akeem via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 522-4485.