Amrin Soonasra

Artist Statement 

I put a paintbrush to a canvas without thinking. I was taught that the best parts of my imagination come from what I’ve already seen. Nature should be created with a fresh pair of eyes from someone who doesn’t see it the way it is. I’ve been inspired by the works of De Chirico, Cezanne, and Van Gogh. Their styles and ideas are incorporated into my work, in both painting and photography. When I moved into photography, my approach to social and political aspects changed. I realized the world doesn’t have access to what I see, and I use photography to show what it is like for me. I acknowledge Islam in my work, I want to enlighten the minds of people who don’t understand what Shari’a Law is. “Shari’a is not a legal system. It is the overall way of life of Islam…Shari’a can evolve with Islamic societies to address their needs today.” (http://www.mpvusa.org/sharia-law/). Islam’s literal meaning translates to peace. People should not fear it the way they do, that’s why I portray the Muslim woman in Hijab. “…Muslim women are falsely classified as oppressed based on their modest dress, they are in fact liberated from such objectification by the society around them. This modest appearance…highlights a woman’s personality and character instead of her physical figure and promotes a deeper appreciation for who she is as a person.” (https://www.whyislam.org/brochures-online/status-of-women/). My intention in this way is to bring out the truth and individual experiences through these raw, unfiltered photos. Being Indian isn’t political, it’s a social issue. I want to break the stereotypes of the Indian culture. The ‘Desi Devil Bride’ comes from a deep rooted psychological viewpoint on culture. I wanted to show the horrors of arranged marriage in an unusual context. I want to change mind sets and viewpoints about what Islam is, what women’s role in Islam are, and the culture of an Indian American.  As for my paintings I’ll continue to capture the beauty of nature in my own way.