Sabiheh Awanzai Mahmoud, FreeHandFanatic, Farwa Moledina and Anisa Fazal: Ways of Belonging

Ways of Belonging brings together four young female artists based in Birmingham. The exhibition attempts to redefine the narrative around what it means to be ‘local’ and to belong somewhere. The feeling of belonging should be a very personal and emotional act, however tabloid media and current politics influence mainstream thinking creating stereotypes about certain community groups and individuals. The art work on show here represents strong empowered women subverting these stereotypes and offering a new way of understanding what it means to belong somewhere.   The exhibition includes works by Sabiheh Awanzai Mahmoud, FreeHandFanatic, Farwa Moledina and Anisa Fazal.

Ways of Belonging is a partnership between MAC and ORT Gallery. Based in Balsall Heath, Ort Gallery is a local artist-led exhibition space representing the underrepresented and facilitating dialogue in the community. The organisation’s work explores what role an international programme of contemporary art can play in community-strengthening.  

The exhibition has been curated by Josephine Reichert, Director of Ort Gallery in association with MAC.

Image: Not Your Fantasy, 2018 © Farwa Moledina