Giselle Buchanan is an esteemed Jamaican American poet, multidisciplinary artist and educator from The Bronx, NY. Her creative practice transcends traditional boundaries, intertwining artistic aesthetics with holistic healing and creative writing. With a foundation in Textile and Surface Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Buchanan seamlessly weaves together the tactile richness of her training with the poetic cadence of her heritage. Buchanan leverages her art as a therapeutic tool, fostering healing and empowerment among diverse communities.
A seasoned performer, Buchanan has graced stages such as the Apollo Theater, Hammerstein Ballroom, the Chicago Theater, Soho House, Bowery Poetry Club and Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, to name a few. Renowned for her evocative and vibrant self-published poetry zines, including the most recent "Incantations" (2019), Buchanan's work explores themes of resilience, cultural heritage and identity, and the quest for justice with a lyrical depth that resonates across diverse audiences.
Beyond her poetic endeavors, Buchanan is celebrated for her role as a catalyst for creative empowerment. Buchanan’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in the unifying and transformative power of expression. She has facilitated programs that nurture the creative talents of marginalized populations, including women, incarcerated men on Rikers Island, Black and brown children and adults across New York City, the United States and around the globe. Her workshops not only encourage artistic exploration but also assist participants in reclaiming their voices and narratives. She has curated transformative experiences and led innovative mixed-media creative writing workshops, most notably through initiatives like "Written into Being," which has empowered hundreds of students from over 35 states and 25 countries to harness the power of storytelling, nurturing a new generation of creative voices.
Her engaging workshops have also inspired participants at educational and arts institutions like Kickstarter, New York University, MoCADA Museum, The Wing, the Bronx Museum of Art, California Institute of the Arts, Tufts University, Women’s Center for Creative Work and New York Writers Coalition among others. Her partnerships reflect her commitment to using creativity as a vehicle for positive change and fostering inclusive spaces, especially in underserved communities.
Buchanan's contributions to the cultural landscape have not gone unnoticed. Recognized for her pioneering spirit and commitment to social change, Buchanan's work has been featured in publications such as "First Made into Language," commissioned by Southern Exposure now housed in the permanent collection of the Met Library. Her artistic journey has garnered interest from prominent media outlets including Ms. Magazine, The Creative Independent, Hanging Loose Magazine, The Cut, and MSG Network among others, solidifying her position as a prominent voice in contemporary literature and art.
Driven by a profound commitment to storytelling as a catalyst for change and connection, Giselle remains dedicated to elevating underrepresented narratives and cultivating empathy through her art. Her artistic journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of creativity in fostering empathy, promoting healing, and reshaping cultural landscapes.
Giselle Buchanan stands at the forefront of a new wave of artistic visionaries, reshaping contemporary art and literature with her fearless creativity and unwavering dedication to amplifying voices that demand to be heard.