THE IMMIGRANT
2016 - 2017
The Immigrant" stands as a compelling exploration within the broader theme of "Heritage." In response to the charged political climate surrounding Trump's 2016 promise to ban Muslim immigration, this series of self-portraits serves as a poignant reflection on how our past shapes our present and future, echoing the very essence of heritage. Inspired by controversial statements, I use the traditional Yemeni attire of my mother as a symbolic link to my personal heritage, delving into the profound narrative of the past.
The series transcends immediate political context, drawing inspiration from the Middle Eastern migration of the 1800s. It becomes a visual dialogue, capturing the intricate layers of the immigrant experience and, by extension, the broader tapestry of heritage. Beyond a mere political commentary, these images bridge historical echoes with contemporary struggles, emphasizing the enduring impact of heritage on our lives and art.
As I adorn myself in my mother's attire, "Heritage" takes on a personal dimension, becoming a vessel to explore and express the cultural threads that connect us to our shared roots. The series serves as a powerful educational tool, fostering empathy and understanding among diverse communities, and preserving the immigrant story as an integral part of our collective heritage.
In "The Immigrant," a series responding to Trump's 2016 promise to ban Muslim immigration, I intertwine personal heritage with broader themes of the immigrant experience in the U.S. Adorned in my mother's and grandmother’s Yemeni attire, these self-portraits delve into the complex narrative of the past, echoing the Middle Eastern migration of the 1800s. Beyond politics, the images serve as a bridge connecting past and present, embodying how our heritage shapes the trajectory of our lives and art. This series goes beyond political commentary, offering a visual dialogue that sparks empathy and understanding. Each portrait, imbued with cultural symbolism, becomes a powerful educational tool, humanizing the immigrant story and fostering a connection to shared roots.
The Immigrant series was born during an artist residency at Anderson Ranch Arts Center - Snowmass Village, CO.