"Over the past three years, Hangama Amiri’s artistic practice has delved deeply into figuration, employing textile, fabric, photography, and printmaking as mediums of expression. Through these varied forms, she has embarked on a journey of storytelling, weaving narratives that bridge the past memories of Afghanistan with the contemporary experiences of diaspora life. Central to Amiri’s exploration has been the interplay between personal recollections and the broader currents of cultural and societal shifts. Through capturing moments through photography and the intricate stitching of fabric, she has sought to articulate the complexities of identity and belonging, both within her own journey and that of the wider diaspora. The textiles and drawings in the exhibit portray portraits of Hangama Amiri’s friends, colleagues, and professors within the New Haven and New York communities. Adopting this deeply personal approach, she found fascination in her sitters reclaiming their own mise en scène. Throughout the series, she sought to explore how each sitter wished to be perceived within the comfort of their homes, studios, workplaces, or public spaces. Amiri’s role as the artist was heavily influenced by the desires of her sitters, fostering an equal dynamic where their authority and power held precedence over hers. It was inspiring for her to witness the unique ways in which each sitter wished to be immortalized within her oeuvre. This exhibition resonates with authenticity, expanding on Amiri’s conceptual storytelling while fostering connections in an ever-evolving world where personal narratives intertwine with broader societal currents." Cooper Cole, Toronto, ON