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  • Artist: Rae Akino

Self-taught Visual Artist. What began as a coping mechanism for anxiety became a way to understand and examine the world. Existing with multiple marginalized identities, imposter syndrome, and grief created challenges that turned into isolation. Art became the way out.

Influenced by music, theater, film, and life; the DC native uses bold colors and expressive form to explore consciousness, spirituality, sexuality, and self. Centering the viewer with themselves, opening the door to new possibilities, and creating a safe space for dialogue. Living within a society that values labels and boxes to divide can force one to hide and resent the parts of themselves that are not accepted. Never being strictly one thing or another fostered the realization that “I AM ALL THINGS”. “We ARE ALL THINGS”.

“Telling Stories that are unheard, or undervalued gives greater meaning to any work.”-RA

“My objective is to make the viewer connect and think outside themselves or what they know to be true. To see beyond the pretty picture on the wall”-RA
Marvin Gaye by Rae Akino, Image 1.
  • Rae Akino
  • Marvin Gaye, 2021
    • Oil on canvas
    65 x 54 in
    (165.1 x 137.16 cm)
Beyond a Pretty Picture on a Wall by Rae Akino, Image 1.
  • Rae Akino
  • Beyond a Pretty Picture on a Wall, 2021
    • Oil on canvas
    62 x 47 in
    (157.48 x 119.38 cm)