It was hard to choose from many worthy organizations for this fundraiser. Ultimately, I decided that communication is most important of all, because no one can get what they need without the ability to communicate. eSIMs connect Gazans to loved ones, as well as basic resources for survival.<\/p>
After the 29th, I will regroup and see what my next move is, based on how well this fundraiser goes. (I literally just realized this is Black Friday as well this year, I\u2019d much rather spend the day focusing on solidarity!)<\/p>
I started this series of raqs sharqi illustrations in 2023 when I dove into research mode, gathering inspiration for my Golden Era choreography. There are a number of iconic dancers who influenced me, as you\u2019ll see by the range of my \u201cStay Golden\u201d designs.<\/u><\/a><\/p> Intellectuals, students, and artists are among the first to be silenced when the status quo is threatened. Why should we comply, sanitizing our art of anything more than simple entertainment? For my \u201cRadical Art\u201d collection<\/u><\/a>, I was inspired by a quote from author Rebecca Makkai, in her 2018 article about making art while the world burns:<\/p> \u201cArt is a radical act. Joy is a radical act. This is how we keep fighting. This is how we survive.\u201d<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p> Rebecca has also used her platform to bring attention to Palestinian writers who have been neglected or even shunned by the literary industry, so I feel confident using her words for this design.<\/p> My illustration for this collection is a tribute to the life story of the original raqs movie superstar Taheya Carioca<\/u><\/a>, with a nod to the style of Che Guevara's portrait. The latter has become a pop art staple, often used frivolously, but I\u2019m reclaiming it for the original photographer\u2019s intent: communication in support of liberation<\/u><\/a>.<\/p> Rather than a call to support any specifically prescribed expression of resistance, this artwork supports the concept of being open about your beliefs and feelings, especially through your chosen art form.<\/p> Taheya was always outspoken, supported human rights in concrete ways, and used her fame to promote social justice. One of her most famous quotes encourages us to exist as multifaceted, deeply feeling individuals when we dance. Her recipe for a competent oriental style dancer:<\/p> \"She must express life, death, happiness, sorrow, love and anger, but above all she must have dignity.\"<\/strong><\/p> We are complex people, capable of delivering complex messages. If you believe this is a thought worth spreading, please share it widely. This could be by wearing a shirt, but more importantly, not getting discouraged in general by lack of traction in your activism. Communicating with each other and donating what we can are two impactful things we can do.<\/p>![\"Juniper,](\"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/7gzljj2korkv7dsrfndm0qjyi1ssnxzl8issxbqdsjj642aq.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\" "\\"Juniper,")
That\u2019s me, channeling my inner Taheya Carioca. Keep reading to see why she\u2019s so relevant to this work!<\/p>![\"Artwork](\"https:\/\/images.teemill.com\/gsmcv6edzywy6xtuh4rwmoo2gy8e4ajigyotkhfarzxmbeha.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&v=2\" "\\"Artwork")
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