Apanaki Temitayo M is a Toronto-based multi-disciplinary artist. Born in Toronto and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Apanaki Temitayo M is a bi-sexual, single mother of three. She is an author, spoke... n word poet, actor, multimedia artist and teacher. Her canvas compositions are an expression of her Trinidadian heritage and spirituality. Apanaki is currently the CAMH 1st Artist in Wellness. She is currently featured at Kuumba Exhibit, Where She Went, She Thrived at Harbourfront Centre presented by Nia Centre for the Arts. She was the Workman Arts Artist-in-Residence for 2017 - 2018. She has been featured artwork Numb at Workman Arts, Being Scene 20th Annual Juried Virtual Exhibition 2021, To Speak Without Speaking. She has made her international debut at the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, 9th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition: Maya Angelou, with her original artwork, Mama’s Watching in South Carolina. The first woman of colour to be in Room Magazine: Woman of Color Issue for 2016. Oshun Blooming was the face of Grow Room Feminist Literary Festival 2018 in Vancouver, which is a part private collection of Donna Slaught.
Apanaki Temitayo M pays homage to the Ancestors, Orishas, Angels, Guardians and Guides by getting in touch with the ancient Deities and obeisance to the pantheon of the Orisha Diaspora. Having been moved to feel inspired and create, Temitayo M’s work appears as spirit paintings dancing with textile collage, manifesting in various ways, giving thanks to the divine.
Apanaki’s work is an homage to her Orisha, as well as her Trinidadian roots. Drawn to African textiles, beads, shells, crystals and sequins as her sacred ground, her use of the
medium in the context of contemporary canvas with acrylic was the start of her journey back to herself. Fabric, shells and beads pay homage to her ancestors and her Orishas, whereas the acrylic paint and water represent the libation. African fabrics symbolize her days of worship.
Apanaki Temitayo M’s oeuvre connects her with her Yoruba and Caribbean culture; while connecting the displaced pieces of home, her vibrant collage of colour and light act as a beacon to the Orishas.
