Yaa Kwayana is a 25-year-old interdisciplinary artist who blends photography and filmmaking with reflections on spirituality, womanist theology, and fine art. Her work challenges and explores ideologies within the Black community surrounding mental health, authenticity, spirituality, and self-expression.
Raised by a single, immigrant Black mother who was a practicing midwife, Yaa grew up immersed in stories of birth and life. Each year, her mother would show her and her three sisters their birthing videos, fostering an early connection to the cycles of life and the strength of Black womanhood. This deep appreciation informs Yaa's work, which she channels to honor the individuality and vastness of the people she photographs.
Through her photography and filmmaking, Yaa seeks to amplify the often-overlooked stories of Black people, and create spaces for dialogue and reflection. “I’m committed to sharing stories of healing, love, and resilience, especially in a world that often overlooks these perspectives,” she says.