North American Muslim Women Artists Talk Back

This book explores how North American Muslim women artists challenge dominant narratives about their identity, showcasing their diverse voices and resistance against stereotypes through various media forms and artistic expressions.

North American Muslim Women Artists Talk Back explores how Muslim women artists in North America respond to and challenge prevailing narratives about Muslim identity. The book delves into their efforts to dismantle mainstream stereotypes and representations, presenting a nuanced view of their experiences and identities. It highlights the potential for creating discourses that resist dominant narratives and promote a more authentic understanding of Muslim women's lives.

Set against a backdrop of media portrayals that often depict Muslim women as oppressed and passive, the book showcases the work of exceptional artists who assert their agency and individuality. Through their art, these women confront injustices and advocate for their rights, demonstrating that they are diverse, autonomous figures actively engaged in societal issues. The book features the stand-up comedy of Palestinian-American Maysoon Zayid, the cinematic contributions of Iranian-American Shirin Neshat, and the television work of Pakistani-Canadian Zarqa Nawaz, each offering unique perspectives on the challenges faced by Muslim women.

Employing a methodology that combines textual analysis with insights from postcolonial theory, gender studies, and alternative media research, the book enriches its examination with semi-structured interviews with the artists themselves. This scholarly work is aimed at students and researchers in fields such as Gender Studies, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Sociology, and Politics, providing valuable insights into the intersection of art, identity, and resistance within contemporary society.