Unveiled: The Gradauation

Role: Creative Direction, Art Direction

Tools: Photoshop

Duration: March 2023

Unveiled is creative community and safe space for Muslim women and women of colour to hone their practice and explore their identity through creative practices.

‘Unveiled: The Graduation’ is a group exhibition featuring 6 young Muslim artists. It is a graduation event to commemorate the completion of the four part workshop series, providing young Muslim women a safe space to explore creative expression and personal identity.

This exhibition features the works of Iman Yousuf, Rayaan Mohamed, Amina Hemed, Nadia Khalifa, Nawal Ahmed, and Rahima Hussein.

Unveiled is a personal project facilitated by Wishah Qaisar, and a part of the Community Impact program organised by Shoot For Peace.

CLASS OF UNVEILED

By Nawal Ahmed

As an aspiring artist, I embarked on this journey to delve into the core of my identity and explore what holds the utmost significance in my life- the aspects that were absent from my upbringing. Growing up, there was an underrepresentation of Muslim Women across professional fields, be it in television, sports, or within STEM disciplines. Rarely, did I witness their stories being celebrated or their achievements being highlighted. I wanted to reshape this narrative through this piece where I displayed a yearbook collage featuring the 'Class of Unveiled'. These portraits showcase the diverse stories of women who are actively shaping their own narratives. Each woman is a trailblazer, breaking down barriers in their own respective fields. I hope this piece inspires and ignites passion into young Muslim women to pursue their passions without being confined by societal expectations.

Gufta Mogad

By Nadia Kalifa

This piece captures the essence of sisterhood, as the focal point and integral part of the narrative. The shared experiences, triumphs, and challenges become the glue that binds this community of talented women together, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the realm of sports. Each individual photo tells a captivating story of identity, where the traditional attire worn by these Muslimah athletes becomes a powerful statement of cultural pride and confidence. The melding of vibrant fabrics, intricate patterns, and symbolic accessories stands as a testament to the diverse backgrounds that shape these women. Through this piece, my goal is to honor the journeys of female athletes who defy boundaries and redefine societal expectations, inspiring generations to come.

Through Her Eyes

By Rahima Hussein

Through my art, I unveil the boundless empowerment of niqabi women, shattering societal barriers to embody the essence of Muslim excellence. Through her eyes you see elegance, resilience, and strength.

This exhibit holds significant meaning for me, as it provides a valuable platform for our community of Muslim women to showcase our creative talents. It's an empowering opportunity that not only includes us in the creative sphere but also invites others to learn about our identity.

Through our art, we aspire to build bridges of understanding, embrace the richness of diversity within our community, and break down barriers by sharing the varied experiences of Muslim women.

For nearly a decade, Coach El has been dedicated to boxing, even bringing her daughter along to train together. Driven by her passion for the sport, she pursued a boxing coach certification to teach others. For El, boxing serves as a way to stay physically active while also giving her the confidence to defend herself. El, finds empowerment in being a Muslim woman, as Islam liberates her mind, body, and soul. Being a niqabi boxer is simply the "icing on the cake" enhancing her sense of empowerment even further.

Diversity In Sports

By Amina Hemed

My passion for photography and sports led me to explore the beauty and diversity found within the world of athletics. Through my work, I aim to capture the spirit of inclusivity and the power of diversity in sports. Each photograph tells a story of individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as East Africa and South Asia, coming together, breaking barriers, and celebrating their shared love for the game. This work speaks to me on a personal level because it reflects the values I hold dear: equality, unity, and the belief that sports have the ability to bridge differences and inspire positive change. I hope that my photographs inspire others to embrace diversity and foster an inclusive sporting community.