Duwenavue Santé Johnson's artistic practice is an exploration of history, identity, and
the enduring influence of social norms, particularly on marginalised voices across time.
Her work delves into the complex interplay of love and violence, the echoes of pre- and
post-colonial experiences, and the dominant structures that shape our understanding of
the world. Through hand embroidery and mixed media paintings, Duwenavue unravels
the intricate threads of memory and inheritance, acknowledging the weight of history
while simultaneously striving for transformation and liberation through simple textured
patterns, colors, and balance.

The concept of pathways—both literal and metaphorical—serves as a guiding principle
in her creative process. Duwenavue approaches her work with a spirit of inquiry,
embracing discovery and process-based learning to intuitively address questions about
the world and her place within it. This pursuit is central to her artistic expression,
fostering a deep connection to both past and present realities. Her journey is one of
constant movement, navigating the unknown with a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
Fear is transcended, replaced by a growing strength that leads her to previously
unimagined spaces.

In uncovering the past, Duwenavue examines nations and institutions, questioning her
own position within these historical narratives. This reflection fractures into a multitude
of identities, allowing her to rediscover her authentic voice through artistic exploration.
The act of creation becomes an act of reclamation—an opportunity to reassemble the
fragmented pieces of history into new forms of understanding. Through completion,
gentle resonance, and thoughtful engagement, she finds meaning in everyday
discoveries.

Duwenavue's work is deeply rooted in the values instilled in her through her upbringing
in a Black American household. Love, truth, honor, respect, grace, and service are the
guiding principles that shape both her life and her art. The wisdom passed down from
her grandparents, their oral traditions, and their unwavering faith in resilience continue
to influence her. They taught her that wisdom, bestowed through divine grace, provides
the strength to endure life's trials. These lessons form the bedrock of her artistic
practice, reinforcing the belief that art itself is an act of liberation.

Working with mixed media and textile art, Duwenavue's pieces tell compelling stories.
She explores environmental patterns, cultural narratives, and personal experiences,

creating works that resonate with a strong sense of place and history. Sustainability is a
core value in her practice; she meticulously sources and integrates materials, combining
traditional textile techniques with hand embroidery, collage, and painting. By layering
these elements, she constructs dynamic, textured works that invite viewers to engage
deeply with the stories embedded within.

Her current series, Suspended Memories, embodies the concept of weighted memories,
balance, the journey, and transformation. Inspired by the metaphor of migration through
flight, Duwenavue studies birds in movement and road landscapes, navigation. She
captures an emotion of time momentarily stopped—a past, present, and future reflection
all colliding in a single, stunning moment. Each vision holds the elements of a story filled
with strength, anger, beauty, balance, and resistance, creating moments of thought and
space. The process is deeply emotional, navigating discomfort, resilience, and the
pursuit of beauty. Through this work, she strives to foster connection, bridge divides,
and promote social cohesion. Her art is not simply a visual experience; it is an
emotional and communal one, leaving a lasting impact on the people and spaces it
touches. Ultimately, Duwenavue's goal is to inspire future generations to honor their
roots, embrace diversity, and cherish our shared humanity.