About me

Jako Pretorius (b. 1994, South Africa), known professionally as OKAJ, is a mixed media artist whose work delves into the complexities of the human psyche. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Multimedia Arts at the University of South Africa (UNISA), he explores the evolving state of humanness and the delicate balance between soul, mind, body, and nature.

 

OKAJ’s art blends colour, texture, and emotion in both formal and conceptual ways, often using metaphor to reflect on mental health, addiction, depression, schizophrenia, and their broader social contexts. His process is experimental, combining diverse materials and techniques to create vibrant, bold, and layered works.

 

Drawing inspiration from community work, his practice seeks to convey strength, growth, and resilience — transforming deeply personal and challenging themes into powerful visual narratives.

 

Armed with professionalism, determination, and ambition, Jako has had a rapidly growing number of successful exhibitions and actively contributes to the South African contemporary discourse with the full intent of establishing his place in the contemporary gallery circuit.