Atiba Azikiwe Andrews, born into a family of artists and activists in Berkeley, California, comes by his artistic talent naturally. His mother Dr. Naima Gwen Lewis, was noted for her dance/choreography skills, and his father Professor Malachi Andrews was a gifted graphic artist & sculptor.

As a child, Azikiwe’s homework was submitted with elaborate sketches, showing very early where his passion and talents lay. This passion carried him through graduation at Albert Einstein High School, one of Maryland’s finest Magnet Art programs. Afterwards, Azikiwe spent two years at the California College of Arts and Crafts learning from some of the country’s most recognized teachers.

Azikwe, now residing in Los Angeles, focuses primarily on portraiture work. He juxtaposes bold and aggressive brush strokes and colors against a veiled vulnerability that invites (and almost dares) you to look deeper into the eyes of his subjects.

His work has been described by collectors and admirers as "mystical, passionate, provocative and captivating” and it is this reaction that has garnered him a place at solo and group shows throughout Southern California as well as in the homes of many collectors.