MEET
Joana Taya
Born in Lobito, Angola, and now based in Lisbon, Portugal, Taya is a gifted painter, educator, and graphic designer whose artistic journey intertwines the exploration of identity and visual expression. Holding a BA (Honours) in Graphic Design and a Master's in Arts and Graphic Design, with a specialisation in Expressive Typography, Taya embodies a unique fusion of academic precision and profound artistic intuition. She currently teaches Art in Lisbon, guiding IGCSE and A-Level students, while simultaneously nurturing her own practice as a visual artist.
Her work elegantly blends contemporary design with the rich themes of her African heritage. Through her paintings, Taya delves into the essence of self-identity and the complexities of emotion, drawing from philosophical perspectives to bring depth and meaning to her creations. Her figurative abstract style merges geometric and organic forms, creating evocative representations of states of being that reflect her experiences and the ever-changing social contexts in which she is immersed.
Exhibitions like Precious Shadows (2023) at Espaço Luanda Arte and Musas (2022) at the Camões Cultural Centre stand as powerful testaments to her ongoing investigation of how we perceive and engage with the world around us. These exhibitions offer an intimate glimpse into Taya’s artistic philosophy, which examines the intersection between personal expression and universal themes.
In addition to her own creative pursuits, Taya has played a pivotal role in curating exhibitions such as JAANGO (Jovens Artistas Angolanos), an initiative dedicated to supporting emerging Angolan artists and fostering new perspectives on contemporary African art. Through her teaching and curatorial work, she continues to use the transformative power of visual storytelling to address societal issues, inspire self-awareness, and encourage cultural dialogue.
Taya’s practice is a reflection of a deep commitment to both artistic innovation and cultural representation, and through her work, she continues to explore the vast potential of art to shape understanding and ignite change.