Nationalism Vs Patriotism
By: Mirna Haddad
Who are we? Who stands near us? Do we understand and accept? Do we keep our narrow minded thoughts? You are not better than me. I am not better than you. We are living in a time where politics and racism overrides who we, the people, are. We fight for the rights and equality of ones who are seen as unimportant. Who are you to tell me I’m not important?
For this project, I decided to work with cyanotype due to being able to capture images I’ve created and print them in a way that would change each time. This process reflects upon the changes we encounter daily. I was born in Jordan, raised in the United States, and my views on traditions and culture changed. I was brought up in a household where my parent’s minds were narrow-minded, they did not want change. I grew up surrounded by diversity because of the many schools I attended - 10 to be exact. I see us all to be equal, to be important, to be living in a place where we need to stand up and fight for each other’s rights.
We are human. We are diverse.
Materials: Cyanotype on 8x10 Mixed Media Paper. India ink, coffee. Scale of entire project, 42in x 40 in
Mirna Haddad-Tawiah was born in Mafraq, Jordan and immigrated to the United States in 2000. She grew up in a different cultural setting and struggled with the differences between an American and Jordanian lifestyle. At the age of 18, she went against Jordanian cultural traditions for a female; left home, and was disowned by her parents. That moment shaped who she later became; a mother, a veteran, and a wife. Mirna now lives in San Diego with her husband, son and yorkie. She studies Art, Media & Design- Digital and Media Arts at California State University San Marcos and will receiver her Bachelors in December of 2020. Mirna is versatile in her work, ranging from drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital design. Her work is diverse and personal. It is meant to heal, inspire, and challenge what may be considered “the norm.”