American Muslim Woman

In the post 9/11 era, we are living in a politically fractured, media driven world. In this new reality, it is necessary to address stereotypes and public perceptions. This photograph seeks to tell the stories of a diverse group of Americans, and to shatter labels and build bridged between cultures and religions. In this self-portrait, my face is collaged with Urdu newspaper text from a local Pakistani newspaper. I wear the American flag in the form of a head-scarf, declaring my Muslim and my American identity as inseparable. –Artist statement