Finding Their Voice
“A big part of my identity is my pan-African upbringing,” says Kandafula (Kay) Sikana ’25. Born in Zambia and raised throughout several African countries during childhood and adolescence, this DePauw studio art major brings a unique global perspective to their academic work, their relationships, and ultimately, their art.
“The kind of art I want to make is socially informed and research-based,” Kay notes. In other words, Kay is not just making pretty things for people to look at. Instead, they are drawing from their own unique background to offer a fresh voice to the most important and timely discussions of our cultural moment. In Kay’s words, “Art is a response to a specific conversation.”
Many of the conversations that draw Kay’s attention are those dealing with issues of identity, equality and justice. Kay’s time at DePauw has been devoted to exploring these conversations and ultimately becoming more fluent in addressing them. One significant step in that process has been a semester with the New York Arts Program, an immersive off-campus opportunity that provides access to internships, residencies, and hands-on exposure to the lifestyle of a working artist.
“This program has taught me how to formulate the kind of questions that can reveal the core of what art-making is,” Kay says. Whether it’s by creating during the dedicated studio time or by interacting with other students in the graduate-style lectures, Kay appreciates how the collaborative environment has helped them define artistic success and identify a personalized path to get there. “It has allowed me to find myself – both as a person and as an artist. I’ve realized how small I am in the bigger picture – but also how big I am, how valuable I am, and the importance of what I have to say.”
These lessons coincide with a more comprehensive process of self-discovery that has defined Kay’s entire DePauw experience. “DePauw has taught me many valuable skills, such as self-determination and the ability to communicate my ideas with confidence,” Kay notes. They also believe a holistic liberal arts education has helped them fight imposter syndrome and find their voice as an artist.
As Kay looks to the future, they hope to continue developing their technical skills in graduate school and exploring just how much they can do through art. “I don’t have to limit myself,” Kay says. With an artistic voice refined by resilience and multicultural perspective, Kay is certain to make a statement.
