Oil on Rusted Metal
18inx20in
 
Western art embodies the spirit that I love about my South Texas upbringing. I am proud to be a Texan and first generation American because of our resilience, unity and spirit. I painted these calves huddled together on rusted metal to illustrate the strength that exists in my small South Asian Muslim community. This piece is from a series of oil paintings on rusted metal I collected from the debris of a storm and Arson that passed through my local community. The rusting of the metal alludes to the marks difficult times and circumstances leave on people and nature but is essentially what brings out the most beautiful colors in them. With everything my community has faced, it has become a part of our beautiful story of unity and perseverance. This piece signifies how beauty and strength can come from the damaged and discarded.