Echoes of Becoming. Bath Open Art Prize 2025
Echoes of Becoming, a photograph by Architect and Visual Storyteller Mayowa Akande has been awarded a Highly Commended mention.
In the Artists' words: "This series follows a young Black man navigating foreign spaces while rooted deeply in heritage. Draped in agbada and African headwear, he carries the regalia of culture into landscapes that once felt distant.
Now, facing the sea, he looks ahead—seeking redemption, acceptance, and the courage to endure. Having braved the winds and waves of immigration, he embodies resilience, self-awareness, and the quiet strength of becoming.
These portraits are not simply of a body or a face, but of a journey—grounded in culture, alive with possibility, and unafraid of what lies beyond"
Our 2025 judges Patrizia Ribul and Dr. Lucy Gundry really wanted to highlight this work, come see the print and all it's detail in the exhibition until Friday 31 Oct, and discover more of Mayowa's work here: @akande.o.mayowa
"Resonance". Fronteer Open Gallery, Sheffield
"Resonance" reflects on the layered intersections of culture, memory, and place. Through a collage of Lagos and the North East of the United Kingdom, the work explores how identity is shaped by parallel realities and evolving contexts. The subject’s attire, grounded in African tradition, anchors the composition — a visual thread connecting past and present, continuity and transformation across worlds
"Between Heritage and Horizons". Sunderland Art Festival, 2025
This photographic work attached reflects Sunderland's evolving identity. In the foreground, the iconic Wearmouth and Queen Alexandra bridges honour the city's history, while the new pedestrian bridge and recent city centre developments signal growth and change. The use of black and white strips away distraction, giving the image a timeless, artistic quality that highlights the dialogue between heritage and progress.
"Somewhere In Between" - BlackBox Gallery, USA
"Somewhere in Between" is a portrait series by Mayowa Akande that explores the experiences of African immigrants navigating their identities and a sense of belonging. Akande, an award-winning photographer, architect, and visual storyteller, created this work to highlight the complexities of migration, cultural negotiation, and resilience.