Visual Artist Athenkosi Kwinana’s work gets showcased at the 1-64 Contemporary Africa Art Fair represented by Berman Contemporary which took place in London, United Kingdom in October 2022.
She said that her work is centered on albinism and aims to eradicate societal stereotypes and misinformed myths.
The 27-year-old’s artwork stood out as it pondered on the exploration and representation of Albinism in black communities and incorporated sign language in an artistic form.
Her work challenges cultural misconceptions, discrimination and abuse, thus aims to empower people living with albinism.
She is currently based in Johannesburg where she runs an art studio where she creates her work.
The Mthatha-born said that she experienced exclusivity whilst growing up as people around her did not understand what albinism is, often she experienced displacement as individuals saw her as not black enough.
“Growing up, I could not watch television as I had started experiencing visual impairment. My mother would supply me with paper and pens with different colors. That was the beginning of my love for art.” said Kwinana
She possesses a National Diploma in Fine Art and Bachelor of Technology in Fine Art from Walter Sisulu University. She said that during her final year at the institution, she was advised by one of her lecturers to continue pursuing her studies in the field.
In 2022 she graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Johannesburg and works in both drawing and print work.
She exhibited her solo work at Reimagining Albus in 2022 and came at number four at the Constitutional Hill.
Kwinana said that she was invited in a five week artist program with the Admirals Residency in Muizenburg, Cape Town which she completed in July 2022. She was awarded Cultures Resistance award and selected for the Tilga Art Fund which is an educational scholar program.
Networking with people through art events has opened a portal for establishing and maintaining a relationship with other artists. she said
Kwinana works closely with Berman Contemporary and they showcase her work on her behalf.
“I am grateful to have had heartwarming support from lecturers and supervisors. Support and learning from other artists has played a significant role in being the person I am today.” she said
