Newark Arts @ NICO | In My World by Kwesi O. Kwarteng

Ghanaian-born and Newark-based, Kwesi Kwarteng is a multidisciplinary artist who works with textiles. As an immigrant living in the US, Kwarteng transcribes a new language from the combination of traditional and cultural fabrics along with hand-dyed textiles. He creates abstract-like pieces to investigate migration trajectories and share histories while unearthing the intricacies and beauty of multiculturalism. In Kwarteng’s works, there is an exploration of traditional weavers in Ghana, influenced by El Anatsui’s extraordinary sculptures, twentieth century African American quilting artistry and abstract color field works by Sam Gilliam. Through his early challenges as an immigrant, he learned to embrace the multi-facets of culture and the heterogeneity of the immigrant story in the Bronx, NY, and later in Newark, NJ. He has a BFA from the School of Visual Arts, NY and his works are held in private collections around the world. He is a current Artist in Residence at the Silver Arts Project.

For more information, or to purchase works, email Adrienne Wheeler, Newark Arts’ Lead Curator, Artistic Initiatives, adrienne.wheeler@newarkarts.org