born and raised in northern california, aala began experimenting with art at a young age. she pursued a degree in psychology before venturing into her original passion of visual art professionally. primarily self taught, at 23 aala attended california college of the arts in san francisco on scholarship prior to the covid-19 pandemic, which led her to an untimely and indefinite leave of absence that allowed her to take her practice into her own hands.

since then, she has spent her active twenties between northern and southern california making work and creating community. from being selected as a muralist in the largest mural in oakland history and being on the board of directors of the queer healing arts center, to having her films selected to present at the openvision film festival in los angeles in 2021, she has dabbled in each of her mediums with gumption and stealthy tenacity.

oni is now based in new york city, practicing out of her brooklyn studio, and frequently traveling to europe for her international exhibitions.