ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a daughter of Palestinian refugees, a Muslim woman and first generation American. My work reflects the layers of trauma, freedom and misconceptions I must carry within my identity. The experiences of Muslim Arab Americans are heavily affected by the general public’s knowledge of Islam and the Middle East. I believe popular media and political propaganda cause self-segregation of identities, fueled by fear and misinformation. I am motivated by the desire to reveal and perhaps reverse the sense of fear and misconceptions in my audience, in hopes to create bridges for understanding and awareness. I invite the viewer with the use of playful colors, a predominant use of pink and abstracted shapes. I often use painting, wearables, found objects and performance photography to express my ideas on the inner struggles of my identity.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Amal Azzam is a Muslim American artist based in Milwaukee, WI. Her creative journey began with graphic design and led to community art, civic engagement murals, art shows and painting. Amal uses bright colors and bold minimal shapes to create a playful approach to her reflections on society, culture and religion.
© Amal Azzam