MURAL & THEME PAINTERS
Deeply Rooted
Mural Artist: Ojo Akinlana
Artist Location: New Orleans, LA
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About the Painter
I’m a muralist, painter, 3D animator, and tattoo artist from New Orleans, Louisiana. I come from a family of multigenerational musicians and artists and have been making art as long as I can remember. My personal work champions black women, while also venturing into my own surreal ideas. My time as a 3D animator at Pratt Institute only helped me further venture into more imaginative work. My paintings address many topics and themes that all fall under the umbrella of promoting mental health and self-improvement.
I was the lead artist on “Deeply Rooted” but I also worked alongside the amazingly talented artist Hozé Da’Ra. Da’Ra was born and raised in NOLA and is an alum of McDonogh 35 Senior High School, where his art career began with assistance from Ms. Villavaso.
A message he likes to champion through his public art is, “There is always another way to see things.” He is currently working on a piece for New Orleans City Hall council chamber, where he was commissioned to represent district E. Additionally, Hozé continues to produce work for his first annual art show, that will be showcased later this year at the Emline Store, New Orleans.
About the Mural
“Deeply Rooted” was my first time leading other artists in order to execute a mural. Half of the team were not painters, so there were a lot of “firsts” on this project. Hozé Da’Ra and I were asked to paint oak trees to commemorate the oak trees that were removed due to the construction of the Claiborne bridge. We took it a step further by depicting the trees being uprooted and addressing the environmental impacts from their removal. Depending on which way you drive past the mural, the trees either appear to be being uprooted or being replanted, and we showed the kids at play to depict what was lost in the removal of the trees.
We were given six weeks to cover about 16,400 square feet of space on the pillars and lintels that hold up Claiborne bridge. We did so with a team of seven, including myself and Da’Ra, ranging from experienced artist to first time painters. If y’all are ever in New Orleans, Louisiana, come check out “Deeply Rooted” located under the Claiborne Bridge on St. Louis and Claiborne!
Are there any particular causes or messages you like to champion through your public art?
Unity and community are the starting points to my mural ideas. My mural work is meant to be healing by promoting the spirit of renewal to the space where the murals reside. In my public art, I always aim to highlight the history and culture of the neighborhood where the piece is located. Beyond that, I make sure the mural gives off a joyful and positive essence. I view my murals as historical landmarks that reflect the cultural and historical importance of the designated area.
Do you have any other projects coming up that you’d like to share anything about?
I have a few opportunities that have come up, but in the meantime, I will be getting back to the daily grind of tattooing and creating my own paintings as I await my next mural opportunity.
Learn More About the Artists:
www.ojoartwork.com
@ojotats
@hoze.dara
Both artist’s work can be seen at the Axiom Art Gallery, 4613 Freret St. New Orleans.
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