Pakistani Artist Explores
the 'American Muslim Woman' Identity
Hoboken,
NJ: Asma Ahmed Shikoh, a mixed media visual artist who combines
popular icons, cityscapes, and social issues, will have
her newest work entitled – ‘Liberated,’
on display at The Ceres Gallery, in New York City from January
2 - January 27, 2007.
The show ‘Liberated’ is an exciting visual interplay
of popular icons and the ‘hijab’ (the head scarf
adorned by Muslim women), highlighting the role of individual
practices in the shaping of a unique national identity.
The work includes personal involvement of more than a hundred
Muslim women across America.
“As an artist, my concerns have always been my immediate
environment, especially the cities I’ve lived in.
‘Liberated’ juxtaposes my fascination with New
York City life and my experience with the self empowering
identity of American Muslim women,” says Asma.
Asma, who works in oils, acrylics and mixed media, grew
up in Pakistan and currently resides in Hoboken, NJ. She
graduated in 1999 from the Indus Valley School of Art in
Karachi, Pakistan, with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts.
Her work in Karachi pertained to the period when American
fast food arrived in Pakistan. ‘Ronald’ from
McDonalds and ‘Colonel Sanders’ of Kentucky
Fried Chicken (KFC) became revered icons in the imagery
of her artwork - challenging the very vulnerable ideals
of nationalism in Pakistan.
Since moving to the United States four years ago, Asma has
been showing at group exhibits in the NY/NJ area. Recently,
she was part of the show “Fatal Love” at the
Queens Museum of Art.
The opening reception of the show ‘Liberated’
is to take place on Saturday, January 6th, 2007, 2-4 pm.
The show is open for public (no fee) from January 2 -- January
27, 2007 at the Ceres Gallery, 547 West 27th Street, New
York, NY 10001. Gallery Hours are Hours: Tuesday - Saturday
12-6.
For more information please visit, http://www.asmashikoh.com
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