Osaze Akil Stigler

Osaze Akil Stigler is a painter and Urban Planner. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Osaze delves into his experience growing up and enjoying art but being unable to relate to it. This drove the motivation for him to create art representative of his culture, background, and experiences, which ultimately led to him being a featured artist on Beyonce's "Black Parade Route," A directory of black-owned businesses in 2020.

"Art doesn't always have to feel good; sometimes it makes you upset. Sometimes it makes you think, question systems, and question our governments or our societies in general [..] and I think art and creativity are about pushing us forward. "

Osazes art embodies the power of black subjects and women of color. Often depicting them in regality and positions of power. Scenery seldom seen in prior and even contemporary art.

In this episode, we also explore the intersectionality between painting and Urban Planning. A way in which Osaze has been able to use his passion for art into a career that allows him to impact his community by using creative ideas to allow society to take pride in their surroundings by providing access.

Osaze reminds us that acknowledging oneself as an artist does not come from having a following, notoriety, or publicity. Rather, it comes from the continuous action of creating.

Find Osaze and his art on www.osazeakil.com and Instagram at osaze_Akil

Featured Painting: “June in Atlanta”

Oil on Canvas, 24 x 36.

Music for this episode is composed by Humans Win and podcast editing is by Bill Fires.