Kweli holds an Associate of Studio Art, School of Art + Design at Montgomery College, Maryland. She serves as a Teaching Artist with the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland, and Youth Spirit Artworks in Berkeley. Her preferred media include fiber art, surface design, and mixed media. As a "green artist," most of her work is created using found or upcycled canvas and materials. Kweli is also the owner of Movement Insight, LLC, consulting firm which provides strategic planning and leadership development for community organizations and activist. She is a nationally-recognized professional activist and social justice facilitator and trainer.
SHEltereD In pLace RESISTance aRt, by kWeli KiTWaNa. (c) 2020
These works have been created during shelter in place; and, the recent Anti-Black justice protest. Kweli primarily working through her thoughts about Black Ppl and our rightful existence and unapologetic resistance. Black people are, especially our Ancestors, Elders, and Children, a PEOPLE who have nothing to prove-and, only demand our "RIGHT-FULL" place in the world as contributors and believers. We ask for nothing to be handed to us, accept a cleared path to carry on our business of living our lives. All of this art is natural fibers, recycled finds, and altered materials. The figures in the work, are tiny symbols of "statues" who are keepers and the pollinators of historical Truth. Each one made from a metal-infused paperclip, patina from weeks buried in the soil of the Ohlone land. Kweli is using hand-dyed fibers in indigo, representing the undeniable power of currency over people, hence the enslavement of Africans. The red dye (madder root) is a representation of Black people's suffering, resistance, and determination.
Much of the beads highlight adornment and grace. Also, the appropriating, mimicking, and the fascination of POC's culture and rituals.
