Today we’d like to introduce you to Aya Umoh.
Hi Aya , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Here’s a more refined and powerful version that weaves your journey and focuses on the core elements:
My journey has always been about merging technology, storytelling, and cultural preservation. After earning my master’s in Biostatistics from Boston University and building a career as a Senior Data Scientist, I realized there was a deeper creative calling within me. I wanted to go beyond traditional data and explore how AI could be a tool for artistic expression and cultural storytelling.
That turning point came with the Stanford University BlackAir Grant, where I developed my first co-creative AI software. This innovation allowed me to create immersive worlds inspired by books and music, opening up a new realm of artistic possibility. From there, I founded Creative Aya, a studio dedicated to blending AI, creative coding, and interactivity. My work has since been showcased across 13 exhibitions in 7 countries, from Art Basel in Miami to the Max Ernst Museum in Germany.
To further push the boundaries of interactive experiences, I launched ImmerseMe AI, a no-code platform that allows businesses to design memorable, immersive experiences effortlessly. With ImmerseMe, audiences are no longer just passive observers—they become co-creators, generating AI-driven digital takeaways and interactive artwork that extend the storytelling experience.
Currently, as part of the Level Ground art residency, I am focused on connecting traditional cultural narratives with new media technologies. I’m particularly passionate about reimagining the Ekombi dance from my Nigerian heritage, fusing it with digital archiving and futuristic design. For me, it’s about bridging the past with the future, using technology to preserve and elevate stories that have been overlooked or erased. Through this work, I’m creating a space where culture and innovation meet, inviting audiences to connect with these narratives in new and meaningful ways.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our dance avatar project was inspired by the idea of creating a more interactive and engaging experience between artists and their audiences. Instead of just watching a performance, we wanted to give participants the chance to actively shape it. At the heart of this idea is the dance avatar—a digital character that moves in sync with the participant’s body. Using advanced technology, we track their movements in real-time, transforming their dance into a unique, digital avatar that becomes part of the performance.
Of course, bringing this to life came with its challenges. One of the main hurdles was making sure the system could accurately track people’s movements without any delays. We used a special camera to follow their dance, but we had to fine-tune it to make sure it worked smoothly, even in different lighting or environments. Another challenge was connecting all the moving parts—like the body-tracking system and the visuals—so that everything worked together without glitches.
Despite these obstacles, our team was able to fine-tune the experience so that participants could step into this interactive world and see their dance movements brought to life as a digital avatar. This allows audiences to become more than just spectators—they become part of the artwork itself, co-creating a unique experience alongside the artist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in merging AI, interactive media, and creative coding to craft immersive experiences where audiences are not just passive viewers but active participants. My work is known for blending technology with cultural storytelling, using digital avatars, AI-driven visuals, and real-time interactivity to bring these stories to life. Through my platforms, Creative Aya and ImmerseMe AI, I focus on creating spaces where people can engage with art in a way that’s dynamic and deeply personal.
What I’m most proud of is my project Restorative Afrofuturism, which was first featured in Artsy’s Artists Who Code exhibition at VellumLA in 2022, and later in London at W1 Curates. It also became part of the first digital art exhibition at the Max Ernst Museum for the Surreal Futures exhibition from 2023-2024. This project is deeply rooted in Afrofuturism, where I reimagine African culture and heritage in a futuristic context, using AI and interactive media to preserve and celebrate these narratives in new and exciting ways.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend cultural history with advanced technology, creating interactive experiences that connect the past with the future. By integrating AI with interactive media, I push the boundaries of traditional art, making my work both innovative and accessible, while deeply honoring the stories that inspire it.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to let my curiosity, deep love for culture, and desire to create meaningful, impactful art guide my work. These principles are the foundation of everything I create. By staying true to what inspires me and drawing from my cultural heritage, I’ve been able to craft immersive experiences that not only engage audiences but also contribute to a broader dialogue around identity and cultural preservation. This approach constantly reminds me to remain authentic, explore new ideas fearlessly, and trust that my passion for creating art with purpose will continue to shape my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativeaya.ai
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeaya.ai/
- Other: https://www.immersemeaia.com
