Born in Accra, Ghana, Atta Kwami studied and later taught at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. His academic career as an art historian and curator paralleled his practice as a visual artist, leading him to bridge artistic traditions between Ghana and the United Kingdom, where he spent significant time working and teaching.

Kwami’s signature style involved the improvisation of form and color, often drawing direct inspiration from the patterns and structures of Kente, Ewe, and Asante textiles. His work frequently translated these rhythmic, textile-based motifs into large-scale paintings and public installations that emphasized the intersection of color theory and cultural heritage.

His contributions to contemporary art are recognized for their unique ability to integrate local Ghanaian visual languages into a global modernist framework. His legacy continues to be studied for its dual focus on the preservation of African art history and the evolution of abstract painting.