AMIRA. is an ongoing multimedia storytelling project including large scale portraiture and video installation. I started this project with the simple idea of telling the story of my mom's journey to the US. I knew of some of the things she went through, but learning a lot of the details of her trauma and overcomings really made me realize how grateful I was for her. My creative approach began with music, especially exploring the theme of motherhood in hip-hop, neo soul, and R&B music. I began to look at which of those songs had music videos or performances and I took note of my favorite visuals. I was inspired by certain scenes for the creation of of my own visuals, which influenced the creative direction of the project. The portraiture is black and white, utilizing contrast and texture to evoke feelings of nostalgia, home, and sacrifice.

The opening of the exhibition will be on Friday, November 1st from 6-8pm. Happening at the AOK art space in the Independent Sector lobby located at 1602 L St NW, Washington, DC 2003.