Voices of UAE: Anastasie Akibode – A Journey of Art, Identity, and Boundless Passion

By Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

From Equations to Emotions – The Artist Who Found Her Voice in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – There are stories that are told, and then there are stories that are painted—etched onto canvases, woven into brushstrokes, and whispered through colors that speak louder than words. Anastasie Akibode is not just an artist; she is a storyteller whose voice flows through ink, charcoal, and acrylic, crafting emotions that linger long after the last stroke has dried.

Her journey is one of reinvention, passion, and discovery—a life that moved between continents, careers, and cultures before finding its most powerful expression in art. Anastasie wasn’t always an artist, at least not in the way the world defines it. She spent years in the structured world of engineering, working in Paris, Germany, and the United States. But even amidst blueprints and calculations, something within her was restless—a voice waiting to be heard, a vision waiting to take form.

"Art has always been within me," she reflects, "but for a long time, I didn’t know it could be more than just a passion."

Her African and European roots, her journey across cultures, and her deep emotional connection to the world around her all shaped the artist she was destined to become. But it was Dubai—a city of dreams, contrasts, and boundless creativity—that gave her the courage to embrace her artistry fully.

Moving to Dubai was more than just a geographical shift for Anastasie; it was the beginning of a transformation. She had spent her life in places rich with culture—Senegal, France, Germany, Turkey, and the United States—but in Dubai, something changed. She found herself drawn to the thriving art scene, surrounded by visionaries who saw the world not just as it was, but as it could be.

She connected with Dubai-based contemporary artists who saw something unique in her work, something she herself had never fully realized.

"Until I met these artists, I didn’t understand that my style was distinct," she admits.

Her art became an extension of herself, a language more powerful than words—a fusion of her African heritage, European influences, and Middle Eastern inspirations.

Through Dubai, Anastasie found a platform, a community, and belief in her own talent. It was here that she let go of hesitation and stepped fully into her artistic identity.

What makes Anastasie Akibode’s work so captivating is not just her technical skill but the soul that breathes within each piece. Her paintings focus on the harmony and flow of movement, with a deep fascination for the human figure. Each stroke is an emotion, each color a memory, each shadow a whisper of her journey.

She primarily works with:

• Ink, charcoal, and pencils, capturing raw emotions in deep contrasts.

• Acrylics, bringing vibrancy and life to her abstract figures.

• Sustainable materials, exploring ways to make her art eco-friendly and in tune with nature.

Her multicultural upbringing is woven into every piece. From the warmth and storytelling traditions of Africa to the artistic sophistication of Paris, and the modern creativity of Dubai, her work is a melting pot of influences.

"I don’t just paint with colors—I paint with emotions, experiences, and the echoes of every place I’ve ever called home," she explains.

Her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, of allowing life to shape us into who we were meant to be.

Anastasie’s journey has not gone unnoticed. Dubai has embraced her, and in return, she has flourished.

• Winner of the MERIT AWARD from Dubai International Art Center (DIAC) – 2013

• Exhibitor at Art Dubai, The Courtyard Show, and prestigious galleries in Paris, Abu Dhabi, Dakar, and Sharjah

• Trained under internationally recognized artists like Guillaume Delorme, Corine Pagny, Lynn Ryner, and Donna Achson-Juillet

Her works have been selected by renowned galleries, showcased in exhibitions, and celebrated by art lovers across three continents. But for Anastasie, the greatest reward is not the recognition, but the ability to share her story through her art."My art is my voice. If it resonates with even one person, if it makes someone feel seen, understood, or inspired, then I have done my job."Even with years of experience, Anastasie sees herself as a student first and an artist second.

She believes in constant growth, continuous exploration, and the courage to evolve.

Her artistic education has taken her across the world:

• Parisian art schools, studying classical techniques.

• Figure drawing at the Alliance Française in Dubai, refining her understanding of human movement.

• Workshops at the Louvre, studying the masters to develop her own unique approach.

• Intensive training in pencils, ink, and charcoal under world-class mentors.

"Creativity never stops evolving. Art is about feeling, about seeing the world differently every day."For Anastasie, Dubai is not just a city—it is home. It is the place where her artistic soul found its wings, where she discovered a world that values passion, expression, and individuality. Through Voices of UAE, her journey becomes an inspiration for artists, dreamers, and storytellers across the country. Her story embodies everything that Dubai stands for—breaking barriers, embracing cultures, and turning passion into purpose.

"Dubai doesn’t just open doors—it shows you that there are no doors, only endless possibilities." Anastasie wants to push the boundaries of contemporary art, blending cultures, emotions, and sustainability. She hopes to mentor young artists, especially women, encouraging them to fearlessly express their emotions through art. She dreams of creating a documentary that captures her artistic evolution and multicultural inspirations.

Her journey is a reminder that art is not just a profession—it is a calling, a way of life, and a force that connects people across borders.Through Voices of UAE, Anastasie Akibode’s story will inspire, empower, and ignite the creative spirit in others—because art has no boundaries, and neither do dreams.

About Voices of UAE

Voices of UAE is an initiative by DXB News Network, dedicated to sharing powerful personal stories of individuals making a difference in the UAE. These stories inspire, connect, and celebrate human resilience, innovation, and ambition.

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