Meaning ‘welcome’ in a native language of the Ivory Coast, Ayok’a is a new platform designed to make the work of black artists available in the form of fine art prints, phone
cases and t-shirts by emerging and established black artists from across the diaspora.

The artists are hand-picked by the site’s curators and include illustrators, visual and multi-media artists, all of whose back stories are explored on the site in the form of interviews, bringing the passions and inspirations behind the art to life.

Run by sisters Alice and Liliane Gbelia who hail from the Ivory Coast via France, Ayok’a is about reflecting their heritage and love for black culture and accessing the kind of artwork and fashion that they desire to have in their home. Given how much representation matters, the sisters and many of the artists involved aim to shatter stereotypes of well-worn African narratives, and reflect African and black art in a new light, whilst making it accessible for those who want to adorn their homes with it and generating profit for the artists involved.

Current stock includes art prints (framed and unframed), including Limited Editions; women’s t-shirts; and iPhone and Samsung phone cases, but the aim is to include more products such as greeting cards and home accessories in due time. Initially only available in the UK, expansion to Europe and the US will occur in the near future.

To view the art and learn more about this impressive range of artistry, from Delphine Alphone’s Technicolour Dreamscapes; Infinite Minimalism by Teda; Pop Art and Feminine Illustrations with Dija Ouija; Pauline N’Gouala’s “Artivism” and Humanism; Ebz’ Art that Presents a Mirror to Society and many, many more, check out www.ayokadeco.com.
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