About the Artist
Joey, co-founder of the alternative art brand Akumu Ink®, is a painter and illustrator whose work explores themes of transformation, inner duality, and emotional resilience. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Joey began his creative career illustrating children’s books. In 2007, alongside his wife Aldora—who brought a strong business vision to their partnership—they launched Akumu Ink®, a brand inspired by cartoons, nightmares, and horror culture. What started with screen-printed t-shirts in a small Montreal apartment grew into a cult-followed art brand with an international audience. After years of touring over 100 comic and anime conventions across North America and later relocating to Los Angeles, the couple made the bold decision to move their studio to the Netherlands in 2019.
Now based just outside of Amsterdam, Joey has returned to his roots in painting. His recent works, including emotionally charged pieces like It Wasn’t Me and The Quiet One, blend moody acrylic layers with storytelling and symbolic depth. Each painting is an intimate reflection of personal transformation. His original art is available exclusively through the Akumu Ink® website, each piece hand-painted, signed, and sold with a Certificate of Authenticity.