Art Exhibit: Hasani Cannon

Born and raised in Oak Park, Ill., Hasani Cannon has been developing his artistic skills since the tender age of five. He is generally interested in the African diaspora, especially in the visual iconography and its evolution over time. His preferred medium is mixed media, which includes the use of colored pencils, permanent markers, recyclable materials, and fabric.

Meet the artist at an artist reception on Wednesday, April 26, 6:00-8:30 pm »

More about the artist
During his high school career, Hasani was a finalist in the Congressman Danny Davis Art Competition, he was a featured artist for the OPRFHS Art Gallery, and he worked each summer since sophomore year with the Oak Park Arts Council Off The Wall project, even contributing to the Black Lives Matter mural in the summer of 2020. He had his first solo show in 2021 at Forest Park National Bank and took part in the Biennial Terrain show of 2021 along with several shows in the UIS Access gallery and in Chicago.

In 2022, he received his BFA in visual arts at the University of Illinois in Springfield and is currently based in Oak Park. During his undergraduate college career, he was heavily involved and a student leader of the Art Student League, Afrobeat Dance Crew, and African Student Association.

Hasani is also a musician and a dancer. He is a drummer for the Chicago-based dance company Najwa Dance Corp and the Chicago band Family Junket.

Follow his artistic endeavors on Instagram @anansi42200.