I want to change how we see each other

Araba Ankuma is a Visual Realizer—a storyteller transforming ideas into concrete and consumable visual media. As an artist and photographer Araba travels internationally to capture those invisible narratives that need telling.

With an emphasis on storytelling, Araba acknowledges that stories often hold the most important life lessons and insights towards better understanding ourselves within the world in which we live

“If vision is what drives our understanding of and behavior towards all that surrounds us, then imagine the importance of having the ability to capture, to build, and to visually create. For me, photography is more than just a passion; it is my responsibility.” Araba pushes her work to bring a voice to those who have yet to be heard but whose honest truths speak volumes.

Araba Ankuma is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in its unique Visual Studies program. Currently based out of Brooklyn, NYC, her work has appeared in a number of group and solo exhibitions. In January 2017, she founded ASA Productions LLC., dedicated to the production of narrative-based, multimedia visual content.

C U R R I C U L U M V I T A E

Exhibitions

2018 c.f. film studios presents: “introduction” SPACE PLACE, Russia

2017 Patricia & Howard Silverstein Havana Studio Abroad Exhibition, Charles Addams Gallery, Philadelphia
2017 Visual Studies Senior Thesis Exhibition, Fox Gallery, Philadelphia
2017 “Chi Boys”, YO:U, Chicago

2016 “HUMAN: Projections of Intersectionality”, Philomathean Society, Philadelphia

Speaking Engagements

2017 “Get Bodied: Recapturing the Body Image”, The 2017 “Rise and Run” TEDxPenn Conference, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia

2016 “Invisible. Invincible.” TEDxPenn Launch Party, Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA), Philadelphia

Awards

2017 Patricia & Howard Silverstein Photography Studio Abroad Grant
2017 Marian Anderson Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement

2016 Seltzer Family Digital Media Award
2016 Visual Studies Summer Funding

Press

“Clearly, Araba Ankuma is an important new talent.” —Harry Allen

“Ankuma is passionate about showcasing the human body as a work of art. She doesn’t consider her art to particularly exemplify any race or culture, but rather the beauty of the human body in general.” —The Daily Pennsylvanian

“At the center of Araba’s photographs is empathy. She uses the visual composition of her images to tease out unspoken stories.” — 34th St Magazine

November 2019.