Artist Talk with Taslim Samji: Thursday, September 12th | 7:15−9 pm
Surrey, BC – Join curator Taslim Samji for an Artist Talk at the Surrey Art Gallery on Sept 12th, 2024 from 7:15 to 9 pm. Admission is free.
The upcoming session will be engaging on many levels as she discusses the Ugandan Asian exodus history, the effects of colonialism and the Indian diaspora, and lived immigrant experiences in Canada.
In 1972, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin gave 80,000 Ugandan Asians 90 days to leave their homes. 6000 Ugandan Asians came to Canada in the largest migration of non-European refugees at the time. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of this important part of Canadian history.
Dr. Galib Bhayani and Mehb Rahmetulla will join Samji for a panel discussion for the second portion of the program, moderated by Sameena Siddiqui – Gallery curator of Adult Programs at the Surrey Art Gallery. They will discuss their lived immigration experiences and how they relate to contemporary immigration issues including Islamophobia. The session will be followed by Q&A.
Dr. Galib Bhayani and Mehb Rahemtulla were featured in Samji’s Kampala to Canada art show that closed at the Surrey Art Gallery earlier this year. The exhibition is now captured in a publication titled Kampala to Canada. The book shares the untold stories of Ugandan South Asian Canadians, along with personal photographs and colorful pages of artwork exploring aspects of immigration including mental health, marginalization, racism, and loss of culture.
“Stories shared within my community portrayed a narrative omitting the deep-rooted pain, grief, and trauma that resulted from those 90 days.” says curator Taslim Samji. “This is another part of the long history of colonialism and how it impacted the Indian diaspora, splitting families, and communities, and causing the mass displacement of people. All these narratives are alive today more than ever. We must understand the complexity of colonial history to move forward with empathy and compassion for others.”
Presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association
Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88th Avenue Surrey BC
About Taslim Samji
Photo courtesy of Taslim Samji
Taslim Samji is an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary Canadian artist, curator, and writer. She is known for curating thought-provoking exhibitions showcasing the stories of immigrants in response to anti-Muslim racism and xenophobia. In 2017, Taslim received the prestigious international award, “Women of the Decade in Arts and Leadership,” presented by the Women Economic Forum, a global conference platform with over 1000 chapters and circles. In 2023, she was acknowledged by the Women of Worth organization for outstanding achievement.
