Hawa-Jane Bangura, a visionary artist from Sierra Leone, seamlessly blends traditional and digital art to challenge narratives and redefine African representation. With a rich academic background in art studies from the UK and USA, combined with a successful legal career in New York, she brings a distinctive perspective to her creative journey.
Her acclaimed “Black Athena” series reimagines Greek and Roman goddesses as African women, inspired by theories about the African origins of ancient civilizations. This transformative work exemplifies her ability to challenge stereotypes and celebrate African identity. Additionally, Hawa-Jane is active in the NFT space, collaborating with collectives like 1mA and Cyberbaat, where she explores new creative dimensions and merges physical and digital art.
In 2013, she co-founded The Barray Art Collective, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing Sierra Leone’s art scene after the civil war. Through exhibitions in public art spaces in Freetown, she nurtures a vibrant community of artists and provides a platform for emerging talent.
Her art, which focuses on themes of Identity, African History, and Representation, spans acrylic and oil painting, as well as installations and sculptures designed to provoke thought and spark dialogue. Notably, her installations prioritize message over commercial appeal, serving as powerful tools for engagement.
Based in Freetown, Hawa-Jane’s work has been exhibited in major cities, including London, New York, Paris, Dubai, and Dakar, and has been featured by Reuters and the BBC. She was also a finalist for "The 2024 African Women in Art Award," further cementing her influence and recognition in the art world.
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