ART, WOMANHOOD, AND BECOMING

Yakno is an artist whose hypnotically elegant works have been catching my eye on Instagram for some time. After a few exchanges through messages, we agreed on a call.

Yakno discovered her passion for art at an early age and nurtured it from elementary school through her studies in the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Uyo, where she specialized in Textiles. After graduating with flying colors, she briefly worked as a model in advertising. Constantly exhausted from traveling across town for contracts and returning home late at night, she reassessed her career plans.

When she sought guidance from her older sister, the advice was simple: lean into her artistic gift. Drawn by the expressive qualities of painting, Yakno extended her practice beyond textiles. In 2019, she began producing paintings, opened an Instagram account, and—following her sister’s advice—shared her works online.

The response came quickly. Positive comments flooded her account, her first commission arrived from a client in Germany, and she soon received an invitation to her first exhibition. These opportunities sparked a chain of events that launched her artistic career.

Yakno’s art reflects her exploration of sisterhood, female empowerment, and the divine feminine. Growing up in a family of women profoundly shaped her artistic vision. She draws inspiration from her environment, her lived experiences, and her imagination, seeking to convey memory and knowledge in an idealistic way. Her works spotlight the vital roles women play in society, the challenges they face, and the importance of self-development within the social framework.

Her upbringing in a predominantly female household and her years in Ghana gave Yakno a unique perspective on gender, tradition, and power. She channels these experiences into her multidisciplinary practice, which centers on abstract realism with a strong feminist focus.

Yakno blends 2D and 3D techniques, mixing surrealism, satire, and semi-realistic forms to create bold, tactile compositions. She constructs scenes that blur reality and imagination, inviting viewers to confront societal norms while reflecting on their own experiences. Her work examines the tension between bodily autonomy and social expectation, while celebrating women’s resilience, creativity, and power.

Drawing from her own life as a young Nigerian woman, she uses vibrant color, symbolic imagery, and layered textures to challenge stereotypes and amplify women’s voices. Her paintings have appeared in group exhibitions and entered private collections in Nigeria and abroad. She continues to expand her practice, crafting emotionally charged visual narratives that educate, heal, and inspire.

Speaking with Yakno was a true pleasure. She radiates life, humor, and positivity. I wish her continued success as she elevates both her art and the representation of women—with class and flair.

To purchase one or more of her sumptuous works, click here.

Location: Lagos (Nigeria)