Apiow Akwai is a South Sudanese visual artist based in Calgary, Alberta. Her passion for art began at the age of six in Sudan, where it started as a creative and emotional outlet. Over time, this early interest developed into a deep respect and appreciation for the arts. Apiow’s journey into visual arts was solidified after attending her first exhibition devoted to Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio at the National Gallery of Canada. Caravaggio’s raw, emotionally charged style deeply resonated with Apiow, greatly influencing her artistic expression.

Apiow’s work primarily focuses on portraits, landscapes, and human figures, using oils and acrylics on canvas. Through deliberate compositions and symbolism, she explores the complex and often tumultuous nature of emotions, conveying both their darkness and beauty. Art therapy and the process of self-discovery are integral to Apiow’s creative practice, providing continuous inspiration for each new body of work.

She studied Visual and Creative Arts at Sheridan College, aspiring to build a career in the visual arts. She has worked with several non-profit organizations, including the Centre for Newcomers, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, and the Women’s Centre of Calgary, where she led art-based initiatives to inspire young people in at-risk communities. With over 10 years of experience in educational programming, mentorship, and visual arts instruction, she is passionate about providing creative outlets for underserved youth.

In 2022, Apiow curated her first solo exhibition titled “Delirious Soul”, presented at cSpace Marda Loop and funded by Calgary Arts Development Authority. Her work was also featured at the Arts Commons Window Galleries from June to September 2022. She was selected for the Artist as Changemaker Residency in partnership with Trico Changemakers Studio, Mount Royal University, also supported by Calgary Arts Development. During the residency, Apiow developed the art program Let’s Paint, aimed at youth ages 7-18 years old. Through weekly sessions, participants explore various painting styles and techniques while learning how to properly use and care for art materials. The program covers a range of artistic themes including landscapes, still-life, figurative drawing, and portraiture, using both paint and mixed media. The Let’s Paint program support youth in developing foundational skills such as color theory, composition, and creative expression. Delivered at the Centre for Newcomers, the program provides a therapeutic space for immigrant and refugee youth, helping them connect, express themselves, and learn new skills through art. It also fosters a sense of belonging and community while supporting language development.

In 2022, Apiow was commissioned to create her first public art installation as part of the City of Calgary’s Northeast Public Art Initiative, with a budget of $42,000. The project titled “A Seat at the Table”, celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and the strength of community. Drawing inspiration from Solange’s album of the same name, the installation transforms a simple picnic table into a welcoming space for all. The piece also honors First Nations and Indigenous communities, incorporating symbolic elements such as an eagle feather, sage, and tobacco, along with prayers offered by Elder Treffrey of the Blackfoot Confederacy and Elder Cindy of the Stoney Nakoda. Throughout the project, Apiow engaged the Northeast Calgary community, collecting affirmations of hope and encouragement, which were embedded in the installation as a collaborative “time capsule.” " A Seat at the Table” was installed in Laycock Park in December 2024, serving as a lasting symbol of community connection. Her dedication to social change through art is central to her creative practice, where she uses her work to engage communities and amplify the voices of underserved and marginalized groups. Recently selected for the Public Art for Sustainable Futures Residency, she continues to explore how art can spark meaningful dialogue and inspire collective action around pressing social and environmental challenges.