Samson Bakare (b. 1993, Lagos, Nigeria) is a celebrated multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, heritage, and the power of representation through painting, sculpture, and design. Based in Lagos, Bakare is widely recognized for his vibrant portrayals of dark-toned figures set against dynamic, often floral or richly colored backgrounds — a visual language that challenges historical narratives and celebrates Black life.

Bakare’s artistic journey began in his youth, inspired by his father, an architect who encouraged his creative curiosity. He later honed his craft through formal study at the Yaba College of Technology, where he majored in painting, and through mentorship with esteemed Nigerian artists including Abiodun Olaku, Raji Babatunde, Edosa Oguigo, and Ejoh Wallace.

At the core of Bakare’s practice is a philosophical and aesthetic approach he terms “Afro-classicism” — a hybrid of classical influences and stylized form drawing inspiration from East African Coptic art. His work frequently features semi-figurative characters with distinctive, expressive eyes, creating pieces that feel both timeless and distinctly rooted in contemporary Afrocentric thought.

Bakare describes his work as a “time machine” — an artistic vehicle that bridges past, present, and future by reimagining history from a perspective that foregrounds dignity, agency, and cultural autonomy.