2022-2023
Aragti Wadaag, a Soomaal House artist residency program, offers artists a supportive environment to think, work, and develop their creative practices. The program aims to amplify artists' voices and foster equitable experiences for Somali-American artists in the broader art community.
The 2022-2023 cohort comprises Jowhara Luula, Mohamed Sheikh, Aesha Mohamed, and Hamza Noor. While each artist has a unique artistic practice, they share a profound commitment to their growth and a willingness to explore new creative horizons. During their residency, they ventured beyond their familiar artistic territories to create new bodies of works for this exhibition.
Aesha Mohamed
Aesha Mohamed is a Somali-born author and multidisciplinary artist based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Committed to exploring her cultural heritage and identity, she has gained recognition for her visual and literary artworks. In May 2022, Aesha released (Love) Letters to Him, a poetry book that sold over 400 copies globally. She is now working on her eagerly awaited second book, set for release in early 2024.
Aesha's artistry extends to her debut solo exhibit A Moon Shall Rise From My Darkness, which made its premiere in January 2023 at Soomaal. This exhibit beautifully combines her heritage and identity as a Muslim Somali American woman. Its success has led to a planned San Francisco tour in the upcoming winter. Aesha aims to connect and inspire others through her work, fostering a deeper understanding of womanhood, the Muslim experience, and the Somali American identity, inviting others to discover our shared humanity.
Mohammed Sheikh
Mohammed Sheikh's cinematic journey began in the most unexpected places - the Kebribeyah refugee camp in Eastern Ethiopia. There, Mohammed's mother's enchanting storytelling, accompanied by audio tapes and fascination with movies, ignited the passion for storytelling. As the years passed, Mohammed found himself assisting his mother with equipment for various weddings and ensuring enough gas to power the lamplights. Occasionally, when fortune favored Mohammed with spare change, he would venture to the local market and immerse himself in movies in a cozy room with no chairs, where a small television served as a window to a world he had never seen before. The closer Mohammed sat to the screen, the more immersive the experience.
As a self-taught filmmaker focusing on capturing the rich tapestry of Somali narratives, Mohammed's creative endeavors, such as The Forgotten Ones and Luul, have garnered recognition and illuminated vital issues. The Forgotten Ones has graced screens in numerous cities and featured in prominent outlets like CBS, Sahan Journal, and MPR News. Meanwhile, Luul has found its place at the Soomaal House of Art, captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling.
Jowhara Luula
Jowhara Luula, a Somali visual artist based in Minnesota, is finding her voice in the world of contemporary art. Her art reflects her complex and intersecting identities and showcases the transformative power of self-expression. During her formative years, Jowhara learned to conceal her differences in search of belonging, often masking her true self. However, art became her sanctuary, a realm where she could freely uncover and express the layers of her identity.
Jowhara's work spans various media, including painting, sketching, photography, and poetry. Each medium serves as a unique canvas for her to explore and express the multifaceted aspects of her identity. Through her art, Jowhara invites viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate mosaic of her life, where her Somali heritage, multicultural upbringing, global experiences, neurodivergence, and Muslim faith converge into a compelling narrative of self-discovery and acceptance.
Hamza Noor
Hamza Noor, a visionary 2D artist, celebrates imagination and representation in his creative journey. Passionate about manga covers, landscapes, and character designs, his art transcends boundaries, emphasizing colorful art from all walks of life.
Immersed in the world of manga, Hamza's work is a testament to storytelling through art. Every brushstroke and line detail breathes life into captivating characters, aiming to empower and inspire others to explore overlooked aspects of history and culture within manga.Hamza's art shines by showcasing the beauty of African people and their diverse landscapes. His creations vividly depict the tapestry of African cultures, histories, and environments. Through digital strokes, he transports viewers to the enchanting depths of Africa, evoking wonder and appreciation for its natural and cultural treasures.
His dedication to elevating black heroes is a mission for diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Hamza envisions a world where anyone can see themselves as heroes in their stories, regardless of their background. As Hamza continues to explore imagination and creativity, his art connects people across borders, cultures, and experiences. Each piece invites you on a visual journey celebrating storytelling's magic and the beauty of our world's diversity.
