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YANOE (Ya-know) Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati - a Belgian American artist born in Baton Rouge Louisiana moved to Los Angeles in the early 90’s. He began writing graffiti at the age of 11 and by the age of 17 was painting large scale murals all across Los Angeles. He has painted in over 20 countries and appeared in multiple art publications around the world. In recent years, Yanoe has shifted his focus to fine art in the form of large scale murals, studio and commercial works. A competent and hard working artist with over 20yrs experience. He possess a strong sense of artistry and forward-thinking, that is consistently displayed across all art pieces. With a background in graffiti art, he is capable of executing large scale projects with a quick turnaround. His paintings can be described as a weaving of people, places and objects blended together to tell a story. Yanoe, incorporates tenants of architecture into his works, specifically the formidable, concrete monoliths of 1950s’ Brutalism. The artist has a keen understanding of mass and space and is expertly versed at translating multidimensional modalities into dynamic, unidimensional walls and installations. Some of his past clients include Nike, Urban Decay, Headspace, Google, Apple, Facebook and Netflix.

My Projects

  • Rise Above

    The Rising is an innovative, multi-dimensional public artwork that will be an inspirational landmark for Inglewood residents and visitors alike. Visible from the new, soon-to-open Fairview Heights Metro Station, the interactive and exciting nature of the mural makes it a destination worth seeking out. The mural features vibrant colors and imagery of joining hands, which depict strength in togetherness, solidarity, diversity and inclusion. When it’s complete, viewers will hold up their phones to experience the augmented reality. They’ll see the hands open up to reveal images of culture, history, and heritage. Poppies, California’s state flower and a native species of Inglewood, grow and bloom. And a ribbon swirls around, leading the viewer through the story of Inglewood. Viewers can also swipe to another “documentary” layer to hear community members talk about what makes Inglewood a great place to live and work. In addition to the mural images, the placement and circular framing of the lighting panels symbolize unity and harmony. Also, the artwork transitions from day into night, revealing symbols which are laser etched in the Acrylic.the overall message about the importance of housing as a foundation for building successful, healthy lives and strong communities.

  • The Journey

    Graduate Columbus, a hotel in the Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio, features a series of three permanent murals, titled The Journey , by Los Angeles-based artists Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati & Eric “Zoueh” Skotnes, completed in 2019. The murals, which are the tallest in the city, depict the journey of a hummingbird connecting man to the gods. Mythological figures signify the prosperity of Columbus, while the figure of local Somali woman Hodan Mohammed, founder of the community organization Our Helpers, wearing a traditional guntiino , represents the journey of new Americans in Columbus, a welcoming city. Sarfati and Skotnes were prolific in the 1990s L.A. street art/graffiti community and have built professional careers working in the film industry and as international muralists. The augmented reality experience was created & developed by Augmented Island Studios of Portland, Oregon. Eric and Ryan, the artists, hand selected the company to work together with them as a team on the project to create a beautiful blend of art & technology. The public can download a free app and experience different scenes within the artwork. Presently, the mural is under consideration for being one of the largest augmented reality murals in the world.

    2020 CODAawards Top 100 2020 CODAawards Winner 2020-project

  • The Majestic

    The Majestic is the world's largest augmented reality mural by Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati and Eric “Zoueh” Skotnes. This latest collaborative project between the two artists includes art deco signs and symbols, with an angel at the center representing guidance, protection and love. The two children the angel holds personify the youth of Tulsa and the foliage and fauna set within the art illustrate the literal and metaphorical growth of the city. The art includes plants and animals native to Oklahoma, including the scissortail flycatcher, flathead catfish, paddlefish, eastern redbud flowers, swallowtail butterflies, roses and magnolia trees. The sculptural design element framing the mural is inspired by Tulsa’s rich art deco history and serves as a window actively inviting viewers into the ethereal world.

    2022 CODAawards Entry

  • Together We Bloom

    This large scale mural entitled “Together We Bloom” is centered around a community flourishing together. The thoughtful imagery, hues and design showcase local flora as well as the hands of people from all walks of life who work together to blossom in the beautiful city of Cedar Rapids. Providing a link to connect the roofline and tower with the ground below, inviting its audience to pause on their journey, while becoming a notable public art destination for others. Forming the centerpiece of the mural is a diverse mix of hands joined together in a symbolic gesture of unity as they reach towards the sky. As an embodiment of hope, resilience, and love, the hands aspire for something greater than their own individuality. By grouping native florals such as the Purple prairie clover, Partridge pea, Gray-headed coneflower and wild bergamot we depict the closeness of Cedar Rapids as a beautiful bouquet blossoming together.

    2023 CODAawards Entry
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