AUREL OKUKA
MOKANDO

Aurel Okuka Mokando. is a multi-talented artist of Congolese origin who has found his creative haven in Cape Town, South Africa, where he has resided for the past 13 years. His diverse talents span across various art forms, making him a truly versatile and expressive artist. As a ceramicist, photographer, UI graphic designer, digital branding designer, product designer, Afrofuturist, and concept artist, Aurel's creativity knows no bounds. He explores and blends these different disciplines, allowing his unique talents to find free reign and expression in his artwork.

In addition to his visual artistry, Aurel is also a skilled beatboxer, showcasing his considerable skills on various platforms and events across Africa. He has left his mark in the beatbox community and is a founding father of AOM Studio Africa and Beatbox culture SA, which reflects his commitment to spreading and nurturing this art form.

Aurel's belief in the therapeutic and meditative power of art is evident in his work. He illustrates his thoughts with candor and sincerity on canvas, becoming a storyteller who creates relatability between his audience and his art. His recent inspirations include abstraction, the inherent beauty of nature, composition, balance, and the integration of technology into his artistic expressions.

The artist has also achieved recognition and success over the years. He was featured in a Forbes Africa article in 2017, celebrating his entrepreneurial accomplishments. In 2019, he participated in the Eclectica Contemporary exhibition titled "Darkness Rising," showcasing his work alongside other talented artists. In 2022, he was part of the group exhibition "VILLA VIVA Chapter 3 with Sangisa Sangisa collective."

Through their dedication to African storytelling and Afrofuturism, AOM Studios Africa aims to contribute to the cultural landscape, promoting diverse and imaginative narratives that celebrate African heritage and envision a futuristic vision for the continent.

The combination of traditional mediums and digital design allows the studio to create captivating and boundary-pushing visual art, providing a platform for innovation and expression. Overall, AOM Studios Africa continues to be a driving force in the art world, representing the creativity and talents of its founder and contributing to the artistic and cultural richness of South Africa and beyond.

Through AOM Studios Africa and the Zaire Lenoire culture experience clothing brand, Aurel continues to leave a lasting impact on the art world, promoting African creativity and storytelling in Afro-futuristic contexts.

Empowering African Creativity: AOM Studios Africa envisions becoming a platform that empowers and uplifts African artists and creators. By showcasing diverse African art forms, storytelling, and cultural heritage, the studio seeks to celebrate the richness and uniqueness of the continent's creative expressions.

In Aurel's words, "Art is life," highlighting the essential nature of art in human existence and the continuous need for artistic expression as long as people live and breathe.