Joya Astou

Joya Astou is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and installation, exploring themes tied to identity, memory, and the nuances of cultural hybridity. Born in Dakar, Senegal, and now based in Paris, Joya draws inspiration from the vibrant traditions and dynamic contemporary currents of West Africa, blending them with European influences to create pieces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her practice is defined by intricate layering—of color, material, and meaning—with recurring motifs drawn from her Senegalese heritage, such as woven textiles and symbolic patterns, interwoven with abstract forms and urban textures encountered in her adopted city.

Joya’s work has been exhibited in group and solo exhibitions across Europe and Africa, earning accolades for her ability to foster dialogues about diaspora, gender, and belonging. Through every piece, she invites viewers to engage with the complexity and richness of cultural exchange, making her a prominent and compelling voice in contemporary art.