lasercut wood with acrylic, image transfer, 27x25.5x1", 2023

I feel simultaneously invisible and on display because of my headscarf. The scarf makes me a representative of all Muslims, which makes me feel obligated to always wear a smile to counteract the scarf's otherness.

We make assumptions and judgements about people we see which are often challenged and altered after we engage in conversation. By breaking down the image into an abstract small shapes, I feel seen when the dual portrait snaps into focus, mirroring the movement from other to acquaintance.