Duwenavue Sante Johnson’s artistic practice is an exploration of history, identity and the enduring influence of social norms, particularly on marginalized 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 painting, Johnson unravels the intricate threads of memory and inheritance, acknowledging the weight of history while simultaneously striving for transformation and liberation through simple textured pattern, color and balance.

 

The concept of pathways—both literal and metaphorical— serves as a guiding principle in her creative process. Johnson approaches her work with the spirit of inquiry, embracing discovery and process-based learning to intuitively address questions about the world and her place in 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 the willingness to embrace uncertainty. Fear is transcended, replaced by a growing strength that leads her to previously unimagined spaces.

 

In uncovering the past, Duwenavue Sante Johnson 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 the act of reclamation– an opportunity to reassemble the fragmented pieces of history into new forms of understanding. Through completion, gentle resonance, and thoughtful engagement, Johnson 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 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, Johnson’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, textural 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, a 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, Duewnavue Sante Johnson’s goal is to inspire future generations to honor their roots, embrace diversity, and cherish our shared humanity.