KNKX: Artist Among US

The Vulnerable and Empowering Blackness in Rae Akino’s Art.

By Jéhan Òsanyìn • Dec 9, 2020

Rae Akino’s work makes me uncomfortable; I’ve never been good with my own vulnerability. Her art reminds me of emotions I’ve pushed aside for far too long that need prioritizing.

Like Akino’s painting of a person with blue Black skin that she’s named "Reclaiming Ourselves." A figure stands, hands placed with a delicate tension where I don’t think I’m allowed to describe in too much detail. (But this painting makes me wanna go into too much detail, especially during this quarantine where I feel that deeply exposed, equally vulnerable, and filled to my eyebrows with pandemic yearning: Akino’s work connects me to myself.)

Local Artist Spotlight: Rae Akino

Our intern, Sophia Maggio, recently interviewed local Seattle Artist, Rae Akino, who tells stories through her art, and has found healing along the way. 

SM: As an artist, do you view yourself as a storyteller? Is there a consistent narrative/theme you try to express in your work?

“ Yes, I do consider myself a storyteller. Some of many consistent narratives that I express in my work are vulnerability, female self-empowerment, and duality.”

Seattle Rep Art Walk

Posted on: December 25, 2019

by Seattle Rep

Starting this season, Seattle Rep is offering the Bagley Wright Theater gallery wall as free gallery space for local artists. The art presented is meant to enhance your experience of the show while highlighting and supporting a local artist. Check out our featured artist for Shout Sister Shout!, Rae Akino.