Fatimah in America – 2005–2011 ​​

Fatimah in America is a large‑scale installation composed of interconnected architectural spaces inspired by Islamic design. Within this environment, five enclosed chambers portray the lives of Muslim immigrant women living in the United States. Each room is built from screen‑printed fabrics and personal symbolism drawn from interviews, creating intimate portraits that explore identity, migration, and cultural memory.
Colorful Moorish-inspired facade with three patterned arches in red, gold, and purple, filled with geometric and floral ornamentation, creating a vibrant architectural skin that evokes Islamic design and feminine space
Fatimah in America 3, facade – 2011 – installation – 20' x 22' x 9' – Northcutt-Steele Gallery, Billings, MT.

Concept and Theme

FIA examines the emotional and cultural landscapes of women who navigate life between the Middle East and the United States. The installation is structured as a central architectural “general space” of arches, columns, courtyards, and corridors—an evocation of Islamic spatial traditions. Radiating from this are shrine-like chambers dedicated to individual women, each shaped by her personal history, aesthetic preferences, and lived experience. Through these layered environments, the work addresses themes of displacement, dual identity, belonging, and the shifting perceptions between self and other. 
Interior installation with patterned rugs and a large tapestry featuring symmetrical faces and geometric motifs in maroon, purple, and white, surrounded by draped fabric and a tall arched window with stone frame
Fatimah in America 1, Aragsan Room – 2005 – University of St Thomas.
Circular platform with decorative motifs surrounded by four wrapped columns, red and white patterned floor tiles, curtain with similar designs, and geometric wall relief in softly lit gallery space
Fatimah in America 2, inner view – 2007 – Hillstrom Museum of Art.
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Fatimah in America 1, general view – 2005 – University of St Thomas.
Small alcove in shades of blue with geometric tile patterns surrounding a cushioned bed; archway and pillows feature vibrant designs in teal, purple, and orange, creating an intimate interior space evocative of Islamic domestic architecture
Fatimah in America 2, Shemma's Room – 2007 – installation – Hillstrom Museum of Art.
Interior installation with patterned textiles and triangular-edged arches in warm red, orange, and gold tones; floor and walls covered in geometric fabric creating an immersive, symmetrical environment evocative of Islamic design
Fatimah in America 3, inner view – 2011 – Northcutt-Steele Gallery.
FIA installation evolves with each iteration, expanding its imagery and adapting to the architecture of each gallery, becoming a living archive of women’s stories and the cultural forces that shape them.
Facade with red and orange patterned walls featuring square motifs and a large circular doorway; columns inside are draped in printed blue fabric set against geometrically perforated blue walls
Fatimah in America 2, facade – 2007 – installation – Hillstrom Museum of Art.
Curved hallway with geometric cutout wall panel casting intricate light and shadow patterns across the floor and adjacent surfaces
Fatimah in America 2, passage – 2007 – installation – Hillstrom Museum of Art.
Installation with large patterned fabric panels arranged as arches and windows; central golden-orange archway leads into a pink and red textile space, flanked by green and yellow geometric designs on the right panel
Fatimah in America 3, back view – 2011 – installation – 20' x 22' x 9' – Northcutt-Steele Gallery.

Exhibition History

  • 2005 — Fatimah in America, I, Sacred Art Festival – University of St. Thomas Library, St. Paul, Minnesota
  • 2007 — Fatimah in America II – Hillstrom Museum of Art, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota
  • 2011 — Fatimah in America III  – Northcutt‑Steele Gallery, Montana State University, Billings, Montana