Artist, Sufi poet and painter Aïda Touré was born to a Malian, Muslim father and a Gabonese mother. She lived in France and the U.S., where she explored art, music and literature.

Her work is informed by her faith and “the sublimity of its inner motions inspired her to compose poetic works of a spiritual nature which reflect the state of divine remembrance,” according to her website.

She has published three books—Nocturnal Light, The Sublime Sphere, Unmanifest Poems—and her work is almost always accompanied with a painting that tells us of the spiritual and cultural importance. Her new book of love poems will be out in Spring 2017.

Touré has exhibited all over the world has been lauded by institutions like the New Orleans city council and Tulane University’s Payson Center. She is also featured in a number of textbooks. Touré even has a jewelry line, Fragrance of Light, that is made up of miniature wearable paintings that has resonated with her followers.

For honoring her faith and talents to the best of her ability, Touré is a woman to watch in 2017.

-JO