11 Muslim female artists are going to be coming together to showcase their work in the inaugural event by FMC, founder by Najwa Umran. FMC is a non-profit organisation which provides a platform for Muslim females to perform their work. Najwa was inspired by the vast number of other girls who agreed on their underrepresentation in the art industry

“I was desperate to change that especially after seeing all the incredible and empowering artwork of the artists”

FMC are holding Glory in dishonour, an event which consists of a variety of creative pieces from music to film all surrounding the themes of sisterhood and sexuality. These are produced by female Muslims from around the globe. It begins on Tuesday the 15th of August with the launch party till the 19th. The purpose of the event is to open a discussion about muslim women and the struggles they face in creating their art.

Sisterhood and sexuality were chosen as they are both controversial topics which are suppressed by patriarchal forces according to Najwa.

“Muslim women are socialized to believe they have to be modest and borderline angelic and suppress sexual desires in the process. We do not have a safe space to speak on these topics without being shut down as ‘unislamic’ and I thought art could be an avenue that wanted to explore that”

The exhibition, panel and live performances following within the next few days finishing the event on the 19th. The panel discussion includes the creator, Najwa, for talks on Islam, Creativity and Feminism.

The performance night feature live music, poetry and incredible art.

This includes spoken poetry by Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, who is known for her bone-chilling performance at The Last Word festival.

My poem has been uploaded now: https://t.co/JocJbYozUg Feels even more pertinent 2 me after Grenfell & Finsbury.
|| Not a Humanising Poem

— Suhaiymah (@thebrownhijabi) June 21, 2017

Farah El-Nahal has come from the USA to display her work. The 17-year-old says her writing is her form of catharsis and healing. Her work explores themes of familial bonds, friendship and sexuality.

Fatin Ridzuan is a 16-year-old Malaysian born artist living in Saudi Arabia. Her work explores her identity as a Muslim teenager and she works through mediums of painting and drawing. She explores themes of sisterhood for the exhibition glory in dis honour.

Buki Thompson is a Nigerian born artist living in the UK. After learning her faith didn’t permit for her to draw eyes, she took it upon herself to perfect her depiction of the female body.

"back to back" – Out here documenting my journey to redefining myself and my work pic.twitter.com/8IOYJ6EWtK

— Buki kekeré (@Bukikekere) July 12, 2017

All in all, this is a great opportunity to partake in an event with such a powerful atmosphere. One discussing important yet incredibly interesting topics by real influencers.

You can buy your tickets to the events

Launch night tickets – Tuesday, August 15th

Panel Discussion tickets – Friday, August 18th

Poetry and Music Night – Saturday, August 19th

Donate to the crowdfunding campaign here:

CROWDFUNDER FOR THE EXHIBTION SHOWCASING WORK OF MUSLIM FEMALE ARTISTS IS NOW ***LIVE*** PLS PLS DONATEhttps://t.co/VRl7PlreZv pic.twitter.com/zPeZDuL5lf

— näjwa (@_poelitical) August 8, 2017

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Tasnim Chowdhury

11 Muslim Women Are Coming Together to Showcase Their Art