Jihan A. Thomas (she/her)
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I am a Black Woman, daughter, sister, visual artist, aunt, artivist, mother, abolitionist, afrofuturist and community and museum arts educator. I have been facilitating art and culture experiences in the Philadelphia community for over 16 years. My work is inspired by the Black people and our patterns of life.
Themes in my artwork consist of the African American experience, joy, anger, history, rebellion, Afrofuturism, strength, pain, rejoice, power, motherhood, ecofeminism, love and the relationships of womanhood through the Black woman’s anatomy. My art and creativity has take me into many spaces and topics within aspects of reformative justice, reproductive justice, art therapy, education reform, reparations, cannabis education, community sovereignty, food justice, public health, disability justice, art and justice initiatives, maternity education, colleges, youth advocacy, art education, language justice, museums and within traditional K-12 classrooms. I have worked with many arts and cultural institutions in Philadelphia such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The African American Museum of Philadelphia, The Barnes Foundation, The Dox Thrash House and Mural Arts Program. I am also currently the Museum Education Division Director with the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) |
The Power of Art
The power of art is all encompassing. Strengthening self-expression leads to a conversation to further the understanding of self. I incorporate art in all that I do. Art is my air. Art can meet all intersections. Through my artwork and my community art practice I weave my creativity through these approaches. I do my best as a servant to my city and community with my ability to share the power of art
Art As Resistance
Art has always been there. Self expression is always there as window to what is being experience. I use my artwork to express my feelings, emotions, conjures and freedom projects. As an Artivist I am always incorporating ways to comment on my current condition. I bring my art to my dreams, hope, nightmares, pains and aspirations. Topics of racial justice, education reform, reproductive justice, time poverty, disability justice, food justice, youth advocacy and environmental feminism.
Art has always been there. Self expression is always there as window to what is being experience. I use my artwork to express my feelings, emotions, conjures and freedom projects. As an Artivist I am always incorporating ways to comment on my current condition. I bring my art to my dreams, hope, nightmares, pains and aspirations. Topics of racial justice, education reform, reproductive justice, time poverty, disability justice, food justice, youth advocacy and environmental feminism.
Art As A Necessity
Art and creativity can be very impactful in anyone's life. Art should not be an after thought but a crucial integral part of our lives. There are countless ways that you can be creative. Whether you bake, sing, paint, or dance. We all have our own ways to express ourselves. Through my art practice I do my best to share these ideas and serve others my creativity.
Art and creativity can be very impactful in anyone's life. Art should not be an after thought but a crucial integral part of our lives. There are countless ways that you can be creative. Whether you bake, sing, paint, or dance. We all have our own ways to express ourselves. Through my art practice I do my best to share these ideas and serve others my creativity.
