MY ART PHILOSOPHY

Reclamation & Emancipation

I strive to preserve and celebrate my indigenous culture amidst the various systems of oppression and domination that have attempted to erase it. As an Amazigh woman and the daughter of immigrants, I have experienced the expectation of assimilating into European White societies, particularly in France. People of African descent in this country face continual scrutiny and criticism, with assimilation into an imagined white culture being a prerequisite for acceptance by both the French people and their institutions. Consequently, any display of my indigenous culture, such as language, customs, beliefs, or traditional clothing, has been viewed as problematic and even threatening. Consequently, I have concealed this aspect of my identity in public spaces, reserving it solely for familial settings.

Nevertheless, over time, I have come to recognize the immense richness, value, and significance of my cultural heritage, both in its own right and for myself personally. Many individuals from my generation are striving to decolonize their minds and practices. We are collectively and individually working towards freeing ourselves from the oppressive systems of white supremacy and colonialism, and reconnecting with our ancestral roots and heritage. This movement of reclamation is an integral part of our collective and ancestral healing.

Therefore, I am not only on a journey to rediscover and embrace my cultural heritage, including language and history, but I have also begun creating artwork and crafts that convey the Amazigh philosophy and symbolism. By employing mixed media and techniques, I am able to merge various influences that have shaped my identity, blending traditional elements with contemporary ones.