Columbus College of Art & Design

Written By Ryan Yanoe Sarfati

Columbus College of Art & Design’s President’s Lecture Series kicks off virtually on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) with special guest Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati. The Los Angeles-based artist co-created The Journey, one of Columbus’ tallest and most innovative mural projects, in the summer of 2019 in the Short North Arts District. Sarfati joins CCAD President Melanie Corn to discuss healthy creativity and how it leads to creative excellence. 

The CCAD President’s Lecture Series launched in 2018 to celebrate the college’s 140th anniversary. The events, which are free and open to the public, are designed to welcome the Columbus community into CCAD’s creative home and highlight the college’s Core Values of Positivity, Respect, Accountability, and Inspiration. Dr. Corn and Sarfati will discuss how balancing work and well-being plays an important part in Sarfati’s success as an artist.

Sarfati will describe his journey from a graffiti artist to one working in the fine arts and providing commercial work for such clients as Apple, Facebook, Google, Headspace, Netflix, Nike, and Urban Decay. He’ll share how he uses tools such as meditation and sobriety to support his rigorous practice and maintain physical and emotional health. Learn more about Sarfati and his work at ohyanoe.com.

This President’s Lecture Series event is made possible with promotional support from the Short North Alliance. Additional sponsors include the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Skestos Endowment Fund, and the Ohio Arts Council.

The virtual event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advanced registration is required. Click here to register to attend. Those unable to attend can view a recording of the discussion on Virtual CCAD after Sept. 14, 2020. 

Ryan Yanoe Sarfati

Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati, is a Belgium American contemporary artist best known for his large-scale murals and evocatively versitic aesthetic. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Yanoe forged his urban art identity as a graffiti writer, crafting wild-style, interlocking lettering radiating with energy. Yanoe relocated to Los Angeles during the early 1990s and has since become a formidable, prolific force in the mural and installation scene. With site-specific murals in cities ranging from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Brisbane, Australia to Los Angeles, California, Yanoe creates work that is an important integer of placemaking. Developed over his multi-decade career, Yanoe has a keen understanding of mass and space and is elegantly versed at translating multidimensional modalities, like Brutalist architecture, into dynamic, unidimensional walls. Yanoe has successfully managed and executed several large scale public art installations. Working closely with engineers and architects to create award-winning immersive experiences across the world. Currently holding a world record for largest augmented reality mural in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yanoe has pivoted the intentionality of his practice to fine art, exploring studio painting and commercial partnerships with companies such as: Nike, Urban Decay, Headspace, Google, Apple, Facebook, and Netflix.

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