Trumperie

2016-2017

 

In 2017, my attempt to attend an exhibition in Canada was marked with a “Denied” stamp on my passport, a stark reminder of the challenges faced during my immigrant journey in the United States.

Amid Yemen's devastating war, my family and I find ourselves in a state of perpetual displacement, our sense of home shattered. Living amidst the worst humanitarian crisis, our future remains uncertain.

Through my self-portrait series, "Trumperie," I confront these struggles. Each figure, resembling passport photos, bears digital denial stamps, embodying the clash between a repressive past and an ostensibly “free” present. This project delves deep into the intricate layers of the immigrant experience, illuminating the multifaceted impacts of socio-political voices. It serves as a reflective tool, urging viewers to critically examine their perspectives on profound human experiences.

"Trumperie" merges personal and political narratives, offering profound insights into my immigrant journey in the U.S., encapsulating the challenges, hopes, and resilience inherent in the immigrant experience.

Materials: Passport stamps, ink, and Japanese paper