Yesterday after a lecture about my art, activism and filmmaking, I had a rousing discussion with Kathryn’s art class. A Pakistani American student in particular asked tons of questions and made brilliant remarks, especially about her identity as a Muslim American and what it’s like to occupy the “spaces in between” – something I touched upon in my talk on borders and the polarity they produce.
Today I got to spend time with Shadia Heenan in her light-filled studio. She showed me her multimedia work which explores identity, her experience of Islam, and multiculturalism. She made us some real chai (with cardamom and evaporated milk) and we sat outside in the sun and chatted at length. I expect great things from her.
Finally, we screened A Thin Wall at 4pm. It was part of the ART+HUMAN RIGHTS film series at UConn and was followed by an interview with Kathryn who, as an artist and filmmaker herself, asked extremely nuanced and thoughtful questions. They are so insightful that I’ll post them on the film’s website. What a lovely time I’ve had in Connecticut 🙂
