This series of portraits includes people from many different SWANA backgrounds. They connect and converse, developing feelings of closeness as we collaborate on their portraits. The portraits imagine the republic that could’ve been and the world that could be, building on the cultures of our ancestors. They call for broader solidarity within the SWANA region. They envision the liberation we could share, especially when we open ourselves to the marginalized voices of queer, feminist and other groups. We want to be seen, heard, known in all our identities, as Americans and as the descendants of our ancestors. We choose to be our authentic selves, without orientalising stereotypes, because there’s nothing more powerful than living your authentic truth.
When asked why people wanted to collaborate on this project, common themes of identity, community, healing and hope emerged. The people who collaborated on this project come from across the US, as well as Armenia, Canada, and Mexico. Some of them are friends who loved the idea of building community for a better future. Some are strangers who answered a call on social media for people interested in SWANA futurism and my vision of identity, community, healing, and hope.
Salpi and Nancy in Flight
Nada and Araxie with Hookah
Aram and Martin at Home
In the Future We Will Not Be Alone
Anahit and Ishtar Re-Emerge in the World
Astghik and Vahagn Rising
Nadine and Rabha in the Temple of Hathor
Layla and Majnun
Charents and Tamara and the Healing Power of Za'atar
Brian and Brandon Play Shakhmat with Colonial Powers
Alexis and Mirza Heal the Spirit with Music
The Lovers
Invisible Love
Beloved in the House of Love
Dreams of Rebirth in Palestine
My Sister by My Side
Drawn to the Bearers of Light
Isfahan is for Lovers
To Be Seen and Loved
In a Foreign and Familiar Land
As American as Flaming Hot Cheetos
The Beautiful Music of Our Diversity
Colleen and Sarah Discuss Literature Under Occupation
The Most Incredible Adventure
Celia and Varak Make Dolma
On the Land that Recalls Our Being
The Bright Place in My Soul
Background collage from the painting “Hayasdan” by Jackie Kazarian, https://www.jackiekazarian.com/
Cultivated Vision
In Dreams We Remember
