.png)
Sickle Cell Awareness Month: September Spotlights on Rizzy Akanji, Hertz Nazaire, and Donald Rodney
- THE.CCART
- Sep 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 18
As we honour Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, we highlight three remarkable artists whose creative journeys are intertwined with their experiences of living with sickle cell disorder (SCD). Rizzy Akanji, Hertz Nazaire, and Donald Rodney—each artist using their work to spark dialogue about the complexities of health, identity, and resilience, while raising awareness about the challenges faced by the sickle cell community.
Fusing AI and Afro-Futurism to Advocate for Sickle Cell Awareness
Rizzy Akanji, the founder of Akanji Studio, uses his platform to raise awareness for sickle cell disease through the innovative fusion of technology and art. Rooted in his Yoruba heritage and personal experience with SCD, Akanji’s work blends Afro-futurism, Afro-surrealism, and narrative storytelling to explore themes of identity, resilience, and cultural advocacy. His AI-driven creations, often set in vibrant, futuristic worlds, seek to evoke empathy and foster meaningful conversations about health, diversity, and inclusion. Through his unique intersection of art and technology, Akanji aims to highlight the importance of support and understanding for the global sickle cell community, transforming his personal journey into a broader social commentary.
Artistic Legacy in the Sickle Cell Community
Hertz Nazaire, a Haitian artist, turned his lifelong struggle with sickle cell disease into a powerful medium for advocacy and awareness. Despite losing his vision over time due to complications from SCD, Nazaire’s vivid and emotionally charged art, particularly his Sickle Cell Series, became a focal point in medical literature and media coverage of the disease. His works captured the physical and emotional toll of chronic illness, helping to humanise the experiences of those living with sickle cell disease. Beyond his art, Nazaire was an outspoken advocate for both the Haitian and SCD communities, using his voice to raise awareness and build solidarity. His legacy endures, continuing to inspire efforts toward improving healthcare, education, and support for sickle cell warriors worldwide.
Exploration of Race, Identity, and Sickle Cell Disease
Donald Rodney, a Black British artist, used his personal experience with sickle cell disease as a lens to examine broader social issues, such as race, mortality, and resilience. Although his work did not always explicitly address his illness, Rodney’s battle with SCD shaped his outlook on the healthcare system and the racial inequalities embedded within it. His art often engaged with themes of invisibility and hyper-visibility, offering a critical exploration of how Black bodies are treated in medical spaces. Rodney’s work transcended the personal, transforming his individual struggle into a profound metaphor for the experiences of marginalised communities. His legacy continues to resonate, challenging perceptions of race, illness, and identity in contemporary society.
Rizzy Akanji, Hertz Nazaire, and Donald Rodney have each used their art to shed light on the realities of sickle cell disease, offering unique perspectives on resilience, identity, and advocacy. As we commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, let their work inspire deeper conversations about the need for greater support, understanding, and inclusivity for those affected.
By THE.CCART
