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.
