Athenkosi Kwinana

Athenkosi Kwinana (born 1995) is a South African artist and visual activist. Quotes As an individual with Albinism, vision impairment is a key feature. Due to this I struggled watching television with the rest of my family and domestic staff members. This hurt me greatly as the act of watching television was a household ritual especially after a long day’s work,” When I started attending school, I was bullied greatly based on the fact that I have Albinism I turned to drawing as a method of coping I believe when talking about sensitive topics it's best to approach them with an element of easiness It seems extraordinarily obvious and ridiculously outstanding the influence art has in modern society societies need art to advance and to blossom economically, socially, and culturally Art acts as a form of documentation and is also as a form of therapy. What I appreciate about art the most, is its ability to be used as a catalyst for change, especially if we consider the ills of contemporary society By creating artworks that are showcased in public spaces and online has allowed for discourses on Albinism that I believe most people fear or are too shy to ask or address The representation of people, groups and communities influence how individuals are treated and perceived Images play an important role in our everyday lives A spotlight on Art: Exclusive Q&A with Visual Activist, Athenkosi Kwinana 16 January 2025 As a PLWA [Person Living with Albinism], my skin does not primarily give off my Blackness, and as a result, my Blackness is questioned. Instead of critiquing this facet of my identity, I celebrate it Albinism and Chiari Malformation in Contemporary Art 23 January 2025 I later realized that the hate and stereotypes surrounding black people living with albinism was a result of miseducation and misconceptions. The arts and entertainment industry doesnt have a history of diversity - we are only starting to get there now MY STORY| Living with albinism inspired me to create beautiful art 13 March 2023 I am human too, and my experiences are valid too My lack of melanin and poor vision should not justify why I or the next PLWA should be killed, bullied, or excluded from societies Athenkosi Kwinana breaks the stigma about Persons Living with Albinism (PLWA) through art 6 February 2023 Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:Activists from South Africa Category:Disabled people Category:Artists from South Africa