Okaj

Jako Pretorius (b. 1994, South Africa), who works under the alias of OKAJ, is currently completing his Bachelor’s degree in Visual Multimedia Arts at the University of South Africa (UNISA)

OKAJ is a visual artist specialising in mixed media artworks.

 

His work is inspired by the human psyche, and he is interested in the constantly evolving state of humanness and the symbiosis of soul, mind, body, and nature. OKAJ explores both the formal and conceptual interactions between colour, texture, and emotion. Through a metaphorical approach, he comments on the human psyche, mental health, and the psychological states of addiction, depression, schizophrenia, and the complex social implications that surround these subjects. 

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In his process, OKAJ explores mutliple mediums, techniques, and processes. He finds inspiration in the versatility of combining mediums to form colourful, quirky, and bold artworks. Inspired by those he meets through community work, he aims to communicate strength, growth, and resilience through his works.