Baraka Bokiba is a UK based artist whose work focuses on the representation of women of colour and the Windrush generation
How has your lived experience shaped your practice?
I have always been an artist, art for me is a form of personal expression. During the pandemic I felt the urge to develop my current style to counter my experience of art lacking representation so I started drawing women of colour in old, unapologetic and beautiful ways that sought to embraced and uplifted.
What are some of your biggest influences and motivations in your work? What issues are you passionate about working on?
My biggest influences are artists like Beyoncé for her way of representing people of colour unapologetically and my family for always believing in me even when I do not. I am passionate about representing and embracing/embodying all the layers and stories that make us unique and who we are all the while celebrating people of colour through representation, colour and pattern.
Can you tell us more about your recent stamp commission and your hopes for the project?
I was approached to create 2 stamps celebrating 75 years of Windrush last year and now finally they are out in the world. I hope that these stamps touch the hearts of many young and old, especially those from the Windrush generation. Representation matters. Telling, sharing and celebrating our stories matter.
Where are you based and what excites you about the creative community around you?
I am currently based in the Midlands. Here there are more and more creative groups coming together to unapologetically represent creatives of colour such as MAIA Group and their space Yard Arthouse in Birmingham. I find inspiration in seeing more and more radically reimagined safe spaces because I am all about having the space to embrace what makes you uniquely you.
See more of Baraka’s work HERE
