Dunya دنیا

This show came together in less than a month but I was determined to do this because it had been way too long since I had put myself out there.

This exhibition truly reflects this past year for me through my art making. The title of this show, Dunya, in Arabic means “this life” as apposed to “the hereafter/afterlife”. In this life we must stay focused because we don’t know how much time we have left.

In loving memory of my dear friend

Nader Shihadeh
(June 24, 1991 - November 27, 2016)

I found out Nader had passed away when I logged onto facebook Friday, December 16th 2016. I saw all the posts about how he was such a great guy and everyone was so sorry about what had happened, and I sat scrolling through the comments confused. When I finally realized what had happened I was in disbelief. I googled his obituary.
This was real. I had missed his funeral.

The only mutual friend I have with Nader is his mother who messaged me. I was in shock. She thanked me for being his friend and said “He cherished your friendship very much. You brought harmony to his life.”
I have hung onto those words and I sincerely hope I was a good friend.

I was and am heartbroken Nader is gone.
He was such a wonderful, positive, sincere, pure and truly sweet person. I will never forget his sunshine of a smile and his contagious laugh. Nader was going to do so many wonderful and great things. We were going to save the world. So when he died, I didn’t know If I could face the world anymore.

Because of Nader I took a hard look at my life and thought about what my goals were and remembered my dreams and all the things we had talked about doing.
Alhamdulillah I am back on track making art again and I have surrounded myself with incredible and inspiring people (that's you guys!)