MAKTUB: It Is Written

For many of us, 2020 brought many challenges to our daily lives. For me personally, it ushered in a necessary phase of deep introspection. I thought of my own evolution as an artist, and through isolation, came an incessant need to pay homage to my roots and the ancestors who protect and inspire me. So, I’m leaning in. Leaning into my faith. Leaning into the history that runs through my veins. Leaning into me.

I will be hosting my 2nd solo exhibition, MAKTUB: It Is Written on November 13, 2021.

It is a celebration of my Egyptian roots.

Attendees at next month’s exhibit can expect to go on a journey with new works, in which I marry passages from the book “The Alchemist” with stories of ancient Egyptian figures. These works pay tribute to my Egyptian culture, while subverting ancient mythology and symbolism to suit a modern feminist gaze, and a timely reflection of how society is re-examining commonly held gender roles. These larger than life paintings depict colorful characters, featuring poignant messages surrounding faith, love, and deep self-reflection.

More importantly, my work is a vehicle for me to give back to my community.

Through my first solo exhibition “Queendom” in 2019, we donated over $2,000 to The Women’s Center of Ft. Worth. This year, a portion of the proceeds from “MAKTUB: It Is Written” will be donated to Coptic Orphans, an organization whose mission is to unlock the God-given potential in the most vulnerable children in Egypt, and throughout Africa, through the power of education.

The cost of this exhibition is approximately $25,000, which includes: venue and facility operations, installation costs, photography/videography, marketing, art supplies, and compensation for the three members of my team. I have bootstrapped several thousand dollars of my own, secured a liquor partnership with Jim Beam, and I’m now seeking financial assistance from within my network.

My goal is to raise $10,000. A donation to this exhibition is an investment in Egyptian voices, Egyptian children and Egyptian art. It is an investment in me.

As a thank you for your donation and support, your name will be listed on my artist commentary at the entrance of the exhibition, along with additional sponsors. It will also be included in the donation made to Coptic Orphans.