Kemi J. Williams - Biography

Kemi is a writer, illustrator and educator, whose work reflects the irrepressible force of joy found within loss and trauma.

Invited guest at 2024’s globally renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival, her poetry unravels the trappings of histories, institutions and the conflicted-self; with rhythmic, empowering cadence, she creates a catharsis that lingers far beyond the text.

Highly-acclaimed across 18 years of teaching English at leading secondary schools, and an award-winning film critic, Kemi creates striking poster-art, inspired by her African heritage, blending hand-drawn motifs, with intricate fabric-cuts.  

Based at Oxford University, Kemi’s research utilises literature and art to navigate debilitating anxiety in adolescents.