About Me

Anjoláolúwa Adeniji (Jola Adeniji), widely recognized as Macanjy Art, is not just an artist but a storyteller, using visual narratives to challenge perspectives and ignite conversations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts (specializing in Technical/Set Design and Lighting), a Diploma in Fine Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in view, he blends academic depth, technical precision, and emotional resonance in his work.

Spanning over seven years, Macanjy’s journey has encompassed hyperrealistic drawings, bold acrylic paintings, public art, solo exhibitions, and artist residencies. His work transcends aesthetics—it’s a reflection of society’s pulse, a statement of identity, and a force for change.

His impact extends across Canada, with one of his original works held in the permanent collection of Black Lives Matter Canada. He also raised $3,500 in scholarship funds for underrepresented youth by auctioning a live painting created for the Calgary Black Chambers.

Beyond the canvas, Macanjy is an outspoken advocate for affordable creative spaces and living. He addressed Calgary’s City Council during the housing rezoning agenda, calling for more accessible workspaces for artists and immigrants moving to Calgary, Alberta. His contributions to public art are further evident in the BUMP Roadworks Project, where he transformed urban barricades into vibrant storytelling pieces.

His upcoming national solo exhibitions in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary will showcase a compelling collection that continues to push artistic and social boundaries.

Originally from Nigeria, Macanjy came to Canada three years ago with a deep-rooted passion for art, advocacy, and community building. He currently serves as Board Chair of Antyx Community Arts and as a Board Member of TRUCK Contemporary Art. Through these roles and his broader practice, he is shaping not only emerging artists but also entire communities, particularly Black people in the diaspora. His work spans cultural leadership, community engagement, and the creation of spaces where identity, healing, and belonging can thrive.

His roots matter. Born in a land rich in history, resilience, and storytelling, Macanjy’s voice is shaped by legacy and committed to truth, justice, and the transformative power of art.

He is here to amplify voices, challenge systems, and create space for those who have been unheard, making a lasting impact through art and advocacy.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My art is a vessel for truth, healing, and rebirth. I create to awaken something deep within—to break down insecurities, invite reflection, and call people into their truest form. Through raw storytelling, spiritual symbolism, and sensory immersion, I aim to unearth the parts of us that have been silenced, shamed, or caged.

Rooted in art therapy and the use of the five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—my work invites full-body engagement. I believe that healing doesn’t just happen in the mind; it happens in the body, in memory, and spirit. Whether through the texture of a charcoal stroke, the vibration of live music in a space, or the quiet power of colour, I want my audience to feel, remember, and release.

As a Nigerian-Canadian artist, my work is shaped by migration, identity, and the spiritual weight of diaspora. I blend hyperrealism with abstract elements to create portals—each piece an altar for conversation, transformation, and self-ownership.

This is not just art—it is a call. A call to break free from the systems, fears, and false narratives that have held us back. A call to rise into who we truly are.

My art is about the rebirth of the human spirit. The reminder that we were never meant just to survive—we were born to feel, to create, and to be fully alive.