About the Artist
Kiana Manu (b.2003) is a London-based portrait artist who specialises in oil paints. She was featured as a contestant on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2024. She undertook a BA (Hons) degree in Advertising at the London College of Communication- University of the Arts London.
She had a very creative upbringing, and she honed her craft by being immersed in the cultures and environment of art, regularly visiting museums and local exhibitions and installations.
Her artwork aims to challenge stereotypes by showing more representation and diversity in traditional portrait styles.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a pencil in my hand. Sketching whatever was in front of me and doodling in my schoolbooks. I have always been drawn to art and the human form, with a particular interest in portraiture.
I am intrigued by the relative class and status of the art field hundreds of years ago, in that it was the domain of the rich, wealthy and high-class individuals who could afford to have their portraits painted. I aspire to make portraits accessible to everyone.
My own culture, experience and emotions inspire my art. I also draw inspiration from older art styles, including Renaissance pieces, African art, and surrealism. I then use my own art style to add a cultural or modern twist. I use precise brush strokes, detail and rich colours to give my paintings a modern, sharp but dreamy feel.”
Kiana Manu
If you missed me on Portrait Artist of the Year, here are my hectic 4 hours condensed into a 3-minute time-lapse
Achievements
Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2024 participant
Almenara Art Prize 2025 Online Exhibition