Allysia vd (they/she) is a scholar, curator, artist, and yoga teacher with a broad interest in Black history and visual culture, Black wellness, and contemporary art. They are currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Africana Studies at New York University, where their work focuses on curating exhibitions that center Black artists, and researching Black liberatory wellness, Black European identity, and Black women's migration.
Allysia holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the University of Amsterdam, a 200-hour Hatha/Vinyasa yoga certification from the School of Yoga, and is a Fulbright awardee for their graduate studies at NYU.
They have contributed to various curatorial projects at the Open Space Contemporary Art Museum in Amsterdam, celebrating young Black artists and the Dutch Black community. In addition to curating, Allysia is also a practicing artist. Inspired by the tradition of Surinamese woodcraft, they create innovative designs using laser-cut techniques. So far, they have developed two main collections: one of wooden corsets and another of wooden headpieces.
Allysia also has experience working with Black history archives through grassroots organizations such as The Need for Legacy and The Black Archives, both based in Amsterdam. Their passion for Black wellness, rest, and community building is central to their practice. This commitment is especially evident in their work with the collective Yoga for Black Babes, where they taught gentle Hatha yoga classes. For Allysia, this dedication to community and wellness is not just a practice—it’s a guiding principle interwoven into everything they do.
1. Portret by Coco Olakunle.
2. Photography by Goldiie, models: Alejandra K. & Vroni Martina.
3. Photography by Espé for Yoga for Black Babes.
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4. OSCAM Keti Koti exhibition,
Museumplein Amsterdam 2023,
Photography by Almicheal Fraay.
5 & 6. Me and Oma Agnes in koto,
Photography by Joana Kazmaier.
7. Let's be honest, we all need rest event,
Photography by Monika Vaskorova.
