Sarafina Naisula (b. 1999) a rising contemporary artist of Tanzanian and Dutch heritage is deeply influenced by the rich storytelling traditions of her homeland.

Her artistic journey began there, fueled by a passion for creative expression nurtured by the vivid narratives of her roots. Educated at the University Of Arts in London, Sarafina work has been showcased in the Netherlands and South Africa, resonating with diverse audiences. Central to Sarafina’s artistic mission is the exploration of human identity, with particular emphasis on the female experience within the African diaspora.

Sarafina sees art as a powerful catalyst for challenging preconceptions, sparking dialogue, and evoking emotions. Her work is a call of action, a catalyst for change, and a mirror reflecting society’s unspoken and uncomfortable truths. Her current body of work delves into the harsh realities of sexual abuse, highlighting the erosion of individual identity often linked to such trauma.

Utilizing silhouettes she emphasizes society’s tendency to reduce complex stories to mere statistics and bodies, obscuring the profound narratives beneath the surface. Sarafina’s diverse mediums convey multi-layered messages, aiming to dismantle the walls of indifference, urging society to recognize that these stories are not distant, but intimately woven into our daily lives. Her aim is to bridge the gap between familiarity and awareness, fostering compassion, insight, and equality. Ultimately, Sarafina’s art serves as a call to engage, a plea to acknowledge the worth of every individual and their unique story. She aspires to inspire change, one piece at a time, and to awaken society to the interconnected narratives that define us all.