Description
Manveen Kohli’s slam poetry is powerful, insightful and mesmerising. She never fails to deliver cleverly crafted poetic journeys, both personal and political, illuminating and bold. — Allan Boyd (the antipoet)
Manveen Kohli speaks power to the female experience. Hers is a poetics of strength and vulnerability that blazes with candour, truth and power. Kohli is a poet to read and admire. — Scott-Patrick Mitchell (SPM)
I have had the good fortune of seeing Manveen perform her poetry on stage. She is a compelling performer with a quiet fury that seethes and accuses in a manner that is measured yet impassioned. — Jo-Giles
Manveen’s words weave together beautiful, but challenging, poems of a battle between culture, family, expectation, and independence. Whether she is dismantling the patriarchy, unpacking cultural stereotypes, calling out racism, or addressing misogyny, Manveen always manages to draw you in, challenge your thinking and leave you hanging on to her words, imagery and intent. — Niel Smith
There are so many moments of YAAAAAAAAS when I read Manveen’s words. They are electric. — Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa
Manveen Kaur Kohli is a British-Indian poet residing in Western Australia. She is a two-time finalist in WA’s Australian Poetry Slam. Manveen has performed at various events, including Neon Readings, Woman Scream, and Perth Poetry Festival.
Manveen was raised in England before relocating to Dubai with her family at the age of 13. After graduating from Heriot-Watt University with a degree in Psychology, she moved to Perth and pursued a postgraduate degree in School Psychology. Manveen also studied a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) at The University of Western Australia. Currently, she works as a Psychologist at a high school.
Manveen strives to make a difference and empower people—poetry and psychology are two mediums that enable her to achieve these goals.
About Green Leaves / Red River
Green Leaves / Red River is a collaboration between Centre for Stories and Red River. The project supports eight poets from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to publish their first book of poetry. The project also provides editorial fellowships to emerging editors. It has been made possible with funding from the West Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The series is a collaboration that connects people from different cities with different histories and different experiences, all towards creating a poetic culture that is distinct and unique. With a focus on artistic excellence, Green Leaves / Red River nurtures new voices and supports poets no matter their place in the world. It is a way to share opportunities, to think in an original way, and to continue making poetry visible and valued.
We are proud of the work we can do based here in New Delhi and Perth, and acknowledge the traditional owners of both places. Thanks to the readers and dedicated to all the poets out there, Green Leaves / Red River will entertain, intrigue and enlighten you.