DT—23
Aliyah Sara
Aliyah Sara is a tattoo artist and illustrator, currently working at Ink and Water Tattoo located in Toronto.
Her tattoo portfolio is inspired by providing the African and South Asian Diaspora with a modern way to reclaim their culture’s history, art, and pride. Her illustrations and animations are created with emotion, dueted with poetry, and made to help us connect with our emotions.
Film, music, master artists from Rajasthan, and artifacts from West Africa inspire her work and process.
Her own journey and experience as a biracial LGBTQ woman of Jamaican and Ashkenazi descent are also proudly expressed in her work.
All of her work, regardless of the medium, is made with the intention of connection, acceptance, and healing.
Sankofa
“Sankofa” is a West African term that translates to “go back and get it”.
It is a post-colonial concept about people of the African Diaspora reclaiming their African roots and history. These tattoo designs are inspired by traditional West African culture and history.
Afrofuturism
Tattoo designs inspired by contemporary Black Culture. These designs take traditional concepts and remix them with the perspective of the African Diaspora.
Afro Pick
Head Full of Stars
Killer
King Until I Fall
Mother Saturn
Royal DNA
Sad Girls Love Money
Venom Heart
Woman King
Rajasthani Inspired Tattoos
This tattoo flash series is inspired by “Rajasthani Miniature Paintings”. These paintings are elaborate in detail, lush with nature, and full of symbolism.
Holding Fire
Lotus flowers are extremely holy in Hindu belief, they are regarded as a symbol of beauty, eternity, and spirituality.
Holding Fire
Lotus flowers are extremely holy in Hindu belief, they are regarded as a symbol of beauty, eternity, and spirituality.
Krishna
A tattoo design made to honour Lord Krishna.
Spring in Kishangarh
This design is inspired by Kishangarh paintings done by Nihal Chand in the 1700s. Chand’s paintings were commissioned by Ruler Savant Singh and are dedicated to his love “Bani Thani”.
Tiger Backpiece
This design is made for Farzana Bashar and is dedicated to the relationship between her and her mother. The mother is drawn oiling her daughter’s hair. Together they ride a Bengali tiger through a sky full of stars.Editorial Work
Purple
Inspired by Alice Walker’s “The Colour Purple”, a story of black feminism in the American South.
Sweet Creature
A piece made to warm the soul with spring sunlight and the comfort of nature.
Swimming Lessons
A piece dedicated to the intimacy between LGBTQ women of colour.
