Sandra Duarte Lopes

Sandra Lopes (Aayitah) – Artist Biography Sandra Lopes, professionally known as Aayitah, is a Cape Verdean painter whose vibrant works celebrate the beauty, strength, and stories of African women. Her art reflects the tropical landscapes, culture, and soul of Cape Verde while engaging with broader African and global cultural narratives. Born on November 25, 1978, in Santiago Island, Cape Verde, Sandra emigrated to the United States at age seven. Influenced by her mother, an early childhood educator with a passion for crafts, and her father, a diplomat and lover of music, she began drawing and exploring artistic expression from a young age. Her academic excellence earned her multiple merit awards, including a certificate signed by President George Bush. Sandra studied Fine Arts and Opera History in high school in New York, performed in a Broadway play, and later pursued Communication Studies on a merit scholarship. Yet her enduring passion for painting led her to dedicate herself fully to art. Her inspirations include literature, global travel, and multicultural experiences, which imbue her work with emotional depth and cultural resonance. She held her first exhibition on July 20, 2018, titled “As Mulheres de Mia Couto,” merging her love of literature with painting. Her second exhibition at Kave Eventos in Lisbon involved a collaboration with photographer Tiago Serrano, exploring ecological issues, endangered cultures, and threatened ethnic groups. Her painting “Queen of Hearts” was selected by renowned curator Unoma Giese (Numero Unoma) to represent Cape Verde in the international exhibition “Balance Me” in Zimbabwe. Sandra was also featured in the digital publication “On Balance,” representing Cabo Verde among 51 African women artists, and selected as one of 110 women worldwide for the “Rise to Rejoice” exhibition at Expo 2020 Dubai. Locally, she has exhibited in the “Tela Verde” exhibition at the Palácio da Cultura Ildo Lobo in Praia. A self-taught painter, Sandra continues to explore the intersection of culture, identity, and human emotion. Living between the United States, Portugal, and Cape Verde, she strives to connect art with community, empower women artists, and give visibility to the creativity of Cape Verdean talent. Media & References: - Digital publication: On Balance – https://www.calameo.com/books/006123554654b0c17fff2 - VOA Portuguese article – https://www.voaportugues.com/a/pintora-cabo-verdiana-sandra-lopes-leva-seus-sentimentos-em-tela-%C3%A0-expo-dubai-2020/6473136.html - VOA interview – https://youtu.be/546kvUnuAWU?si=JRQtz3GwIpxq_to- - First art exhibit online – https://www.facebook.com/share/17BEL8mjvz/