Fathima is a Canadian immigrant artist from India who was born and raised in the UAE. Her work embodies her third cultural identity in the sense that it is a hybrid medley of many influences and in the end, a voice of her own. Fathima uses symbolism and narrative to convey her memories and learning and identify universal sentiments while addressing her curiosity about the universe, our place in it, and other existential conundrums.
Her art and style, which frequently references symbols of freedom, triumph, and resilience, reflects her liberation from cultural and religious limitations, imposed identities and boundaries, and a voyage into the subconscious. Fatima’s work has appeared on public walls in ten countries in recent years and has a studio practice in drawing and painting, as well as several brand-related commercial projects.
She holds a BA in Art and Culture from the University of Toronto, as well as an MA in Sociology from Goldsmiths, University of London. She received the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award in 2010 and went on to develop The Domino, a Dubai-based artist-run platform. Fathima was nominated for the Emirates Woman of the Year award in 2011 for her contribution to the developing art scene in the UAE.