Taking Up Space (2026) Original Acrylic Painting by Emmanuel Akolo

I painted Taking Up Space to celebrate quiet confidence and owning your presence. The painting shows a woman seated forward on a dark chair with her legs crossed and arms folded deliberately, resting one hand near her chin in deep thought. I used rich warm browns and golden highlights on her skin to capture light and muscle tone. Small details like her gold heart necklace, dark crop top, patterned skirt, and light blue nails bring everyday modern style into the piece. By cropping the upper face, the focus stays completely on her seated posture. This work is about being unapologetic in who you are, refusing to shrink yourself, and claiming the room you inhabit.

Materials used:

Acrylic On Canvas

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 30.48 x 40.64 x 3.81cm (unframed) / 30.48 x 40.64cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Expressive and gestural
• Subject: People and portraits