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Yazmin Arte
Maxaa la dhaha?
My work explores Somali culture within the context of living in the diaspora. As a Somali American, this project reflects my effort to simultaneously connect with and gain knowledge about my cultural identity. To embrace my identity, I must face the history that shaped my community and pay respects to my mother, whose journey reflects the realities of Somali refugees in the midst of that history. My practice covers themes of culture, identity, and awareness through concept-driven type and image-based formats. These works are designed using data, maps, poetry, quotes, testimonials, and other research. Overall, this project calls for greater representation, inviting individuals of Somali identity to engage with design and claim space for themselves, while also encouraging those from other cultures to see their own identities reflected and to feel empowered to express their own stories.
