With Gabonese Visual Artist Uka la Bruja

Asakan: To start our interview, would you like to introduce yourself?

Uka la Bruja: I’m Uka la Bruja, a visual artist and novelist. My real name is Alexandra BOUKA, and I’m also a business lawyer and former congressional aide.

Asakan: How would you define art? And how do you view contemporary art?

Uka la Bruja: In my view, art is the ability to see or create beauty from an element. But it’s also a way to express oneself, share an idea, and evoke an emotion.

Contemporary art is interesting to me because it’s a bit more inclusive than classical art. And in that way, the most avant-garde or eccentric artists have a chance to shine.

Asakan: When did you realize you would devote your life to art?

Uka la Bruja: I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I decided to devote my life to art. Let’s just say that I give it top priority. Because, in addition to being an artist and novelist, I’m also a business lawyer, and my professional activities will always play an important role in my career.

Asakan: As an artist, how would you define yourself? How did you come to develop your unique style?

Uka la Bruja: That’s a pretty difficult question… I’d probably describe myself as bold and sensitive. I love telling stories through my art—especially stories I’ve written myself. I’d probably describe my style as Afro-psychedelic. In other words, I combine a mix of African influences (shapes, fabric patterns) with the world of psychedelia (a fusion of colors, a sense of movement, and sensory—even spiritual—exploration).

Uka la Bruja, “Untitled,” 2026. Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist

As for my artistic signature, I’d say I’m still in the midst of discovering it. I still very often find myself surprised by what I’ve created. I think that in this field, we’re constantly evolving, and there’s always more to discover. So, I’d say my artistic style hasn’t yet reached its final form.

Uka la Bruja, “Amasora,” 2026. Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Uka la Bruja, “Kongou,” 2026. Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Uka la Bruja, “Le Baptême de Lumière,” 2026. Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Asakan: What are your artistic inspirations and influences? What themes and emotions do you try to convey in your works?

Uka la Bruja: My inspiration generally comes from the stories I write. For example, I created my latest collection, “The Youngest Daughter of the Mountain,” drawing on the most memorable passages from my novel of the same name.

My favorite theme—and the one that inspires me the most—is femininity.

As for the emotion I’d like to evoke in my viewers, it is, first and foremost, empathy.

Uka la Bruja, “In Utero Divina,” 2025. Gouache and varnish on canvas, 40 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Uka la Bruja, “Sacred Sanctuary,” 2026. Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Uka la Bruja, “An Exceptional World,” 2025. Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Uka la Bruja, “Badu,” 2026. Acrylic on board, 150 x 110 cm. Courtesy of the artist

Asakan: How is your work perceived by the public? And by the art community?

Uka la Bruja: I think my work is quite well-received by the public. At least, that’s the impression I get from their reactions on my social media.

As for the art world, I don’t think I can say for sure yet, even though I’ve already had a few exhibitions, notably at Akanda City Hall in 2024 and at the Libreville Convention Center in 2026.

Asakan: What advice would you like to give to other young people who want to get into art?

Uka la Bruja: To be completely honest, if you want to pursue a career in art, do it only if you truly love it and genuinely want to share your world with others. Don’t do it hoping to get rich off your creations, because that won’t happen. And even if you do succeed one day, it won’t be a smooth ride. It’s a pretty thankless field, unfortunately, and only passion will keep you motivated to stay in the game.

For more information on the work of Alexandra Bouka, known as Uka la Bruja, you can follow her on Instagram @uka_la_bruja.