Jaleel Akaloo

contact: jaleelakaloo@yahoo.com
website: http://www.jaleelakaloo.com/

Biography:

Jaleel Akaloo grew up in Trinidad. The culture of the island weighs heavily on his work, especially Carnival, a huge celebration that occurs every year before Lent. He is especially interested in the similarities inherent in different cultures, despite their diversities.

A recipient of Adelphi's Dean Talent Art scholarship and Helen Baldwin's Grant, Jaleel graduated with his BFA in 2009 and he is currently pursuing his M.A. in studio Art at Adelphi University. In 2009 Jaleel received two awards of merit: the Presidential Prize for Outstanding Artistic Award for his work which is now part of the permanent collection at Adelphi University, and also the Hugh A. Wilson Award for Excellence in Abstract Painting also from Adelphi University. He also received an honour from Stony Brook University for Outstanding Work in Visual Art in 2009.
Jaleel lives in Queens, New York


Born in Trinidad studies and works in New York.


 

Artist Statement:

My art is about colour and movement, as it relies heavily on the decorative aspects involved in celebratory events in every culture, especially my own.

There are no boundaries that limit my movement, my expression within a space. In my work I find a release. It is a language that allows me to describe both movement and colour. In some of my pieces I take my viewers only to a point, where the images border between abstraction and realism, whereas in others I delve into colour, movement and the chaos of my source material Carnival. 

I enjoy working between both modes. The balancing act of abstraction and realism allows for a more open ended hence interesting vision of what and where exactly these events are happening, whether it is a battle or a fête.

Regardless the medium, in all my approaches my arm, my brain and my body reign freely upon the surface of canvas, panel board, Plexiglas, paper or even a space, as I seek ways of addressing negative space with energy.

 

 


"Paradisus" oil on Panel, 48 x 96 1/2" 2009


"Blue Wings in a Rage" oil on Panel, 11 1/4 x 48" 2009


"No Guts no Glory" oil on Panel, 26 x 48" 2009


"The Return of the Sun" oil on panel, 56” x 78 1/2” 2009


"Warriors in Red I,"Oil on Plexiglass, 36 x 48" 2008


"Blue Affair" -Monotype -oil paints- 4 1/2 x 8 inches 2010



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