About AOS

Art of the Soul
A Woman’s View of Sexism and Oppression
Washington, DC


Art of the Soul (AOS) is an artistic demonstration committed to magnifying issues that women collectively experience on a global scale. Art of the Soul is an annual exhibit that draws attention to perplex situations affecting women’s freedom, empowerment, and safety. These issues include: domestic violence, self-esteem, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), societal standards of beauty, rape, prostitution & health. AOS serves as a platform to vocalize women’s rights and equality through various mediums of visual arts in a concerted effort to unite women’s voices and overthrow gender related injustices.

Through our annual exhibit during the month of February, Art of the Soul and partnering women’s advocacy groups host workshops to empower women and teenage girls within local communities. In keeping with our mission, AOS leads small community projects throughout the year to strengthen camaraderie between women of different geographical locations. The goal of AOS is to travel to various cities around the world to educate, promulgate, and combat oppression and injustice.

How will Art of the Soul accomplish this goal?

1. First priority is to extend an invitation to artists and women in troubled areas to participate in the annual exhibit. This will allow a diverse group of women to express their stories.
2. AOS exhibition will travel to various cities to educate the general public on a particular highlighted issue or cause. Each exhibit will include the work of various artists. Each year a segment will be dedicated to a specific issue and geographical location.
3. Workshops and small projects aimed toward empowering women and educating the general public.
4. AOS’ mission is to cultivate relationships with a large mass of women and artists internationally.

Throughout the world, women are oppressed blatantly and subliminally. Whether the tool of oppression is embedded within religion, supported by societal standards, or pre-established through gender roles, the pain is overt. With a special interest in Africa, the Diaspora, India, China, and Latin America, Art of the Soul provides a pictorial presentation of stories told but often overlooked. No matter where you live or your economic status, we are all women with the same feelings, emotions, and experiences, let’s share our stories.

-Kaira Johnson
Curator/Founder
Art of the Soul Exhibition