As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on an eventful and transformative November. This month marked a period of transition, celebration, and envisioning what lies ahead for me as an artist. From completing my two-year In Situ Fellowship at the Queens Museum to hosting impactful events and honoring a beloved mentor, I’m grateful for the experiences and connections that have shaped this chapter of my life.
In this blog, I’ll share some of November’s highlights, from speaking engagements and panels to updates on my Close to Home exhibition at the Queens Museum. I’ll also share how you can support my ongoing journey as a full-time artist.
Wrapping Up My In Situ Fellowship
My In Situ Fellowship at the Queens Museum concluded on October 31st, bringing to an end two transformative years of growth and exploration. This full-time fellowship provided me with the unique opportunity to focus entirely on my artistic practice, supported by a full-time salary. During this time, I engaged in ambitious projects like Close to Home, deepened my creative work, and connected with communities in profound ways.
As I moved out of my studio and transitioned into a new storage space, I spent time reflecting on the journey so far and preparing for what’s to come, including another big move overseas.
Speaking at Rutgers University
On November 6th, I was honored to give an artist talk for Professor Sylvia Chan Malik’s “Islam in/and America” class in the Department of American Studies at Rutgers University. My talk explored themes from Close to Home, including the intertwined histories of Islam and Black America.
Meeting students and engaging with their questions is always a rewarding experience, but one moment stood out: a high school student traveled to hear me speak. Seeing her curiosity and confidence reminded me of myself at her age—a young, ambitious Black Muslima eager to explore the world.
This experience reaffirmed my passion for connecting with students and communities through my work. I look forward to doing more university talks in the spring. If you’d like me to visit your school, reach out!
Cairo and Pan-Africanism: Final Program for Close to Home
On November 12th, I hosted the final public program for Close to Home—an online discussion exploring Cairo’s pivotal role in anti-colonial liberation movements. Joined by my Egyptian colleagues, Kribsoo Diallo and Mohamed Yehia, we delved into themes of history, migration, and spiritual transformation.
It was a real joy to reconnect with my friends in Cairo for this program, especailly Muhammad Yehia who’s research on Malcolm X in Egypt I relied on for my 2022 X Speaks social practice and performance art project at the Contemporary Image Collective in Cairo. As a dark-skinned Nubian Egyptian, Kribsoo Diallo’s pan-Africanist perspective, research, and writing has contributed to translated editions of papers and articles in Arabic and English for several research centers within the African continent, Muhammad Yehia’s research and mine as well.
This conversation extended the themes of Close to Home and my time living in Cairo, weaving together stories of resistance and connection. I was deeply inspired by the global audience who joined us, tuning in from places like Morocco, Egypt, Sweden, and across the U.S.
You can watch a recording of the Cairo and Pan-Africanism talk on my website here.
Honoring My Mentor, Terry Adkins
On November 14th, I participated in a panel honoring my late mentor and former UPenn professor, Terry Adkins. Terry’s groundbreaking practice, which wove together sculpture, music, and history, profoundly shaped my artistic journey. He profoundly shaped my artistic journey and that of a generation of artists – Black American artists in particular. You can watch a recording of the panel discussion on Youtube and please, feel free to share about it!
There’s a strange and mysterious way in which the legacy of Terry’s work continues to be expressed in my own artistic practice from time to time and talking to others who knew and loved him continues to deepen my understanding and appreciation of his work, and even the legacy that my own artistic practice builds on.
Reflecting on Terry Adkins’ legacy with colleagues and fellow alumni was a poignant reminder of the power of mentorship and the enduring impact of his teachings. Visiting Terry’s current solo exhibition at the Paula Cooper Gallery this week further deepened my appreciation for his work, particularly his powerful works on paper.
Experience Close to Home
My largest exhibition to date, Close to Home, continues at the Queens Museum until January 19th, 2025. This show represents years of thought, research, and care, with every corner designed to invite reflection and connection.
If you haven’t visited yet, I warmly invite you to experience it before it closes. Sharing this work with others means so much to me, as it reflects the stories and traditions that resonate across cultures and generations.
Looking Forward: Building a Future as a Full-Time Artist
As I move into the next chapter, I’m committed to continuing my journey as a full-time artist. The support I received during my In Situ Fellowship allowed me to work without limits, create transformative projects, and engage meaningfully with communities.
Your support is vital to sustaining this vision. Contributions enable me to push boundaries, create meaningful art, and continue fostering connections that inspire change.
If you’d like to support my work, you can:
- Donate via Zelle: nsengak@gmail.com
- Join my community of patron supporters who engage more deeply with me via Patreon
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. Together, we can build a future where art continues to thrive as a force for connection and transformation.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
