Our "Visiting Artists" program, established in 2022, was designed to showcase the work, dialogue, and presence of artists, educators, and creators who resonate with and explore the themes that form the foundation of our center.
Every medium offers a unique narrative, and we aim to share these stories within our space.
Check the "Calls" page under "More" to stay updated on any open calls for artists. Even if there are no active calls, you can still reach out if you wish to discuss or showcase your work. We'd love to hear from you at info@abrahamiccenter.org.
Dima Zaghal
In Residence: April 13, 2024 - Present
Dima Zaghal is a Palestinian-American artist based in the north suburbs of Chicago. Her work is a journey through personal recollections and material consciousness surrounding Palestinian identity. She adopts an interdisciplinary approach, working across mediums such as painting, sculpture, alternative processes, poetry, performance, and installation art.
Zaghal's art explores themes of identity, memory, faith, and familial storytelling, using each stroke, form, and word to convey the essence of her lived experience. Through her work, she aims to foster a deeper understanding of Palestinian and Arab diasporic narratives, inviting viewers to engage with her art as a means of nurturing dialogue and appreciation for the vibrant culture she embodies.
Sadaf Syed
In Residence: October 2022 - Closed
Sadaf Syed is an award-winning photographer and author known for breaking down stereotypes and educating audiences through the perspectives of her subjects. Recognized as a leading artist by the White House, she was a digital news Photo Editor and Staff Photographer for Al Jazeera America. Her work captures moments from the day-to-day lives of Muslim women, revealing dimensions of their experiences that the average American can relate to once they embrace the fact that she covers her hair.
Syed's notable projects include her award-winning coffee table book, iCOVER: A Day in the Life of a Muslim-American COVERed Girl, which debuted its photography exhibition in the United Arab Emirates hosted by the royal family of Sharjah in the famous Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Her work shatters stereotypes, shedding light on the thoughts, dreams, and struggles of her subjects.
In March 2019, Syed was recruited by the Chicago History Museum to photograph Muslim Chicagoans sharing their stories of faith, identity, and personal journeys for the new exhibition American Medina, which debuted on October 21, 2019, at the Chicago History Museum.