Karo Akpokiere’s illustration, graphic, and textile designs are largely inspired by the dynamic pop culture of Lagos. Having drawn profusely throughout his school classes, he supplemented his artistic ‘diet’, as it were, with comic books and cartoons. Using both digital and traditional processes, Akpokiere navigates a diverse network of cultural themes, coalescing symbols, geometries and motifs to articulate a universal language.

His drawings have been featured on t-shirt graphics, trainers and advertising: from the sides of local buses in Lagos (as part of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria’s public art project, incorporated in their 50th year anniversary celebrations) to a limited edition eco-friendly iPhone case for WWF projects. In recent years, Akpokiere has become subject to wider critical acclaim. Notable inclusions encompass Making Africa: A Continent of Contemporary Design at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, in 2015, among others. Also this year, he was selected by Okwui Enwezor for the 56th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, entitled All the World’s Futures.