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This is the second installment in .ART’s “Web3 Women’s Revolution” series, honoring Women’s History Month and exploring woman-identifying artists in the Web3 space. Juujuumama (Juujuumama.art/) is an on chain, AI artist who spoke to us of her venture into AI art, its boundless potential, her cultural roots, and her projects. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Describe yourself in 3 words. Go:

• Resilient
• Reinventive
• Warrior

Let’s start with the basics: how did you get into art?

From the moment I could pick up pens and pencils, I was drawing and writing as a way to express myself. Over the years, I’ve worked across many mediums—painting, drawing, sculpture, collage—and most recently, AI-assisted art. 

I love switching between mediums because each one allows me to tell stories in different ways. Traditional techniques keep me grounded in tactile creation, while digital tools offer new possibilities for experimentation. 

Your work explores traditional African narratives. What drew you to these narratives in the first place? What about them inspires you?

I come from a multiracial background—my dad is African American, and my mom is Puerto Rican and Italian. My mom’s side has always been closely connected to their cultural roots. But my African American heritage was something I was always curious about.

When I traced my African lineage back to West Africa, primarily Nigeria, I became deeply interested in the region’s arts and culture. It was a journey of self-discovery—one that led me to create the Ìtàn West African Artistry collective. Through this work, I’ve been able to reconnect with the missing parts of myself that I’ve always wanted to understand. 

Reconnecting with something that was once lost, fuels my passion for storytelling and art.

What’s been even more powerful is the way I’ve been embraced by the community. I was welcomed with open arms and even given the beautiful Yoruba name Ayomikun Folashadé, which means “my joy is abundant, honored with a crown”. That sense of belonging, of reconnecting with something that was once lost, fuels my passion for storytelling and art. It’s why I feel so strongly about preserving and amplifying these narratives—not just for myself, but for others seeking the same connection.

How did you get into Web3?

I got into Web3 in 2021 when I decided to release crystal NFTs connected to my crystal store, Good Juu Juu. I collaborated with an Argentinian artist, Annie Burnet, who created crystal illustrations that we minted on-chain. These NFTs weren’t just digital collectibles—they were part of a token-gated experience for my store, giving holders discounts, freebies, and other membership benefits.

That project introduced me to the potential of blockchain technology for artists and creators. I saw firsthand how Web3 empowers artists by allowing us to maintain ownership, connect directly with collectors, and experiment with new ways of storytelling and community building. What started as a functional experiment with NFTs for my store turned into a deeper passion for the creative and cultural possibilities of this space.

Some people feel apprehensive about AI art and NFT’s, especially as these fields concern traditions of art. What do you say to them? 

Every time something new emerges in the art world, there’s criticism—nothing will ever resonate with everyone. But as an artist, I believe you need to be open to pushing boundaries and exploring new terrain. AI art and NFTs have developed immensely over the years, and there are so many ways to own and monetize your digital identity and art style using smart contracts and custom-trained models.

Nothing will ever resonate with everyone.

I urge the naysayers to at least give things a try before completely dismissing them. Some of the most incredible on-chain AI art I’ve seen has come from established traditional artists who weren’t afraid to experiment. 

Any advice for people looking to get into Web3? How might it be empowering?

Web3 can feel overwhelming at first, but the best way to get started is to dive in, stay curious, and be open to learning. One of the most empowering aspects of Web3 is the level of ownership and creative control it gives artists.

One of the most empowering aspects of Web3 is the level of ownership and creative control it gives artists.

You’re not just posting your work online; you’re securing it on-chain, building a direct relationship with your collectors, and exploring new ways to monetize your art on your own terms. Community is key here—collaborating and engaging with others can open unexpected doors.

Which artist in history would you have wished to see on blockchain?

I can’t help but wonder how their work would have spread if they had access to blockchain technology. Would Van Gogh have gained recognition in his lifetime instead of posthumously? Would Basquiat’s raw, unfiltered genius have reached an even wider audience at an even faster pace? The ability to mint, verify, and share work instantly on-chain could have changed the trajectory of so many artists in history. Web3 gives artists the power to control their legacy in real time, without relying on institutions to validate them. Seeing artists of that caliber navigate the space would have been incredible—imagine them experimenting with smart contracts, editions, or AI-assisted art. It’s a fascinating thought.

What’s the one question you hate getting asked the most as an artist?

I hate when people ask if I make “real art” or if I just make AI art. That question implies that an entire aspect of my creativity isn’t valid, as if using AI somehow makes my artistic process less meaningful. AI is just another tool—like a paintbrush, a camera, or a stylus. The creativity still comes from me, from the way I conceptualize, train my models, and refine my work.

Another frustrating question I get is “Why do you focus on Black people in your art?” The fact that this even needs to be asked says a lot. AI models are not inherently diverse, and I take pride in training my own models to ensure that Black stories are amplified instead of overlooked. I create work that reflects my identity and the narratives I care about—no one questions artists who focus on Eurocentric beauty standards, so why should it be different when I center Blackness?

I create because if I don’t, I’ll explode.

And then there’s the “Do you actually make money as an artist?” question. My art isn’t about money—it’s about expression. I create because if I don’t, I’ll explode. But yes, I absolutely make money. The last couple of years, my art has generated more for me than anything else. I’ve won multiple art contests, grants, and opportunities that have solidified my place in the space. The short answer is yes, but the more important answer is I’d still be making art regardless.

What’s one benefit of having a .ART domain?

Having a .ART domain instantly tells people who you are and what you do. It makes your website feel more intentional and aligned with the art world, rather than getting lost in generic domains. For me, it’s a way to solidify my presence as an artist and make it easier for collectors, collaborators, and brands to find me. Plus, it just looks clean and professional—like a digital gallery space that’s truly mine.

Anything else you wish to discuss?

Beyond my own art practice, I’m deeply committed to uplifting emerging and underrepresented artists. Ìtàn is my way of spotlighting West African artists, curating digital exhibitions that celebrate their work and cultural narratives while connecting them with a global audience.

Naija Onchain is an extension of that mission, focused on onboarding Nigerian artists to Web3 and helping them navigate the opportunities that come with blockchain technology. It’s about making sure African artists aren’t left out of this digital revolution.

Then there’s AAWH (All Are Welcome Here), a resource hub for emerging artists that offers guidance, community, and support. Each of these projects is about creating access, visibility, and sustainability—making sure that artists who have historically been overlooked get the platforms and opportunities they deserve.

Sierra uses her .ART domain to direct to her HUG profile. Register your .ART domain and use it for your portfolio or connect it to your Web3 assets today: https://get.art