Unraveling the Complexities of Identity: British Artist Mahtab Hussain’s Exploration of Muslim Communities in America
Introduction:
British artist Mahtab Hussain’s ongoing photography series, “Muslims in America,” presents a captivating portrayal of individuals from various backgrounds who share the same faith but live in a diverse cultural landscape. In this article, we delve deeper into Hussain’s motivations behind the project and the significance of his work in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about American Muslims.
The Faces of Diversity:
Mahtab Hussain’s compelling photographs feature individuals such as Julo, Adbul, and Candace. Each subject showcases their unique style, from Julo’s tie-dye t-shirt and red snapback cap to Adbul’s motorcycle jacket and decadent fur scarf, and Candace’s Nike Air Jordans contrasting against her black shirt. The series weaves together the tapestry of this underrepresented yet growing community in America.
The Misconception of Muslim Identity:
With an estimated 3.45 million Muslims living in the US and projected growth to reach 8.1 million by 2050, Muslim representation remains a significant issue in American society. Despite these numbers, the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported that just 1% of speaking characters across 200 popular TV shows are Muslim. Furthermore, these representations often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and depict Muslims as perpetrators of violence.
Challenging Misconceptions:
Mahtab Hussain’s “Muslims in America” series aims to challenge these misconceptions by presenting a visually diverse and inclusive representation of the Muslim community. Through his photographs, he captures individuals from various backgrounds, age groups, and ethnicities, as well as their clothing choices – some more covered-up while others display tattoos and reveal more skin.
Embracing Faith and Culture:
The individuals in Hussain’s series share their personal experiences, providing a platform for open dialogue about the balancing act of embracing aspects of American culture and staying true to their faith. From the decision to wear a hijab or not, to addressing societal stigmas surrounding modest dressing in a Western society – these conversations add depth and context to the images.
A Diverse Muslim Community:
Born to first-generation immigrants from Kashmir and Pakistan, Hussain noticed a significant difference in the diversity of American Muslims compared to those in Britain. With communities originating from various countries such as Palestine, Africa, and Iran, Hussain’s photographs capture the richness of this underrepresented community.
The Power of Representation:
Riz Ahmed, actor and producer, wrote in a call-to-arms document called “The Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion” about the importance of representation on screen to combat anti-Muslim hate, erasure, and stereotypes. Mahtab Hussain’s “Muslims in America” series contributes to this effort by visually showcasing the diverse experiences and identities of American Muslims.
Future Installments:
Hussain’s next installment will take place in Dearborn, Michigan – home to the largest population of Muslims in the entire nation. With recent political tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the community’s response to President Biden’s handling, Hussain plans to capture the residents in this politically-charged atmosphere.
Conclusion:
Mahtab Hussain’s “Muslims in America” series is an essential and powerful exploration of the complexities of identity within the American Muslim community. By presenting diverse representations and offering a platform for open dialogue, Hussain’s work challenges misconceptions, fosters understanding, and celebrates the richness of this underrepresented community.
