As January comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on major milestones that marked the start of this year— my move to Doha, Qatar, the closing of my solo exhibition Close to Home at the Queens Museum, featured press in the New Arab, and the launch of my signed limited edition print, Fitra (Amber): Yusuf. Each of these events encapsulates different aspects of my journey as an artist and my commitment to creating work that bridges history, spirituality, and community.
The finale of my Close to Home exhibition at the Queens Museum
On January 19th, my solo exhibition Close to Home came to a close after an incredible eight-month run. In my exhibition the home is presented as a space that functions as both a cultural and spiritual anchor in our chaotic world. Central to the show was my Fitra series, a collection of large scale, 48×48 inch warm and vibrant abstract oil paintings, inspired by the Islamic concept of Fitra— which describes the innate state of human purity and divine purpose. Each painting in the series tells a unique story inspired by a child in my own family and weaves together spiritual reflection, personal narrative, and vibrant abstraction. It’s been an honor and privilege to see how Close to Home resonated with so many visitors, sparking conversations about history, belonging, and the complexities of our shared narratives.
Launch of Fitra (Amber): Yusuf Limited Edition print
In tandem with this closing chapter, we launched Fitra (Amber): Yusuf, the first limited edition print from my Fitra series and Close to Home exhibition at the Queens Museum, New York.
Fitra (Amber): Yusuf (2024)
This popular work is a symphony of improvisational drips, multi-layered textures, healing hues, and whimsical shapes, all adorned with a whisper of gold dust. Through the unspoken language of color and form it exudes healing, growth, and the purity of childhood. Printed with vivid inkjet colors on archival paper. Signed, numbered and delivered in a protective paper tube with a certificate of authenticity.
I’ll be in NYC this February, inshaAllah!
As we step into February and the rest of 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities to share my work and engage with thoughtful communities near and far.
If you’ll be in New York, get on the waitlist join me at The New School on February 28th for Malcolm 100X: A Radical Centenary. I’ll be in conversation with Najha Zigbi Johnson discussing the ways in which we both draw upon our creative practice and writing to explore how Black women shaped Malcolm X’s evolving understanding of Black radicalism and internationalism.
Thank you for being a part of my community. Whether you joined me at Close to Home or are a new or repeated collector of my work through Fitra (Amber): Yusuf, your support helps fuel my practice and inspire what’s to come.
P.S.: To purchase my available limited edition fine art prints, click here.
P.P.S.: Are you are an educator, curator, or community organizer interested in sharing my work with your community? Use this link to get in touch.
