Fatimah is a 17-year-old Nigerian, Canadian, and Muslim artist who is still navigating her unique path in life. She is passionate about sharing diverse perspectives and exploring what it means to live in an inclusive, pluralistic society. While she feels a strong connection to social work and science, she aspires to pursue a career in the medical field, particularly nursing. Her art reflects her journey of self-discovery and the blending of cultural and personal identities, while also expressing her desire to connect with others through shared experiences.
Lightyears from Home
Artwork Description
“Lightyears from Home” explores the emotional weight of navigating multiple cultural identities. Depicting an astronaut lying on a moon, reaching up toward a planet where red and green colours merge—symbolizing my Canadian and Nigerian roots—the piece reflects the tension of cultural dissonance, where identity feels both fluid and fractured. Amidst this cosmic landscape, a dandelion grows beside the astronaut, symbolizing resilience in the face of uncertainty and adversity. A quote by Maya Angelou, etched onto a drifting asteroid, reminds us that true freedom comes from belonging nowhere and everywhere at once—perfectly capturing the feeling of existing between worlds. In this vast, silent universe, the astronaut embodies the diasporic self: untethered yet deeply connected to two cultures. Through this work, I aim to express the quiet struggle of holding two identities, yet never fully claimed by neither. It reflects the complex journey of defining home, self, and belonging in a world that often demands we choose just one.
Fatimah’s Why
As a Nigerian and Canadian, my work expresses the internal struggle of balancing both identities. I’m not an experienced artist, but I had a message to share, and that’s what drove my creativity. My art explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for home. It also reflects how it feels to be pulled between two cultures. I created my piece because it helped me process these complex feelings, and communicate what words can’t.
Voice from the Artist
“Through making this art piece, I learned just how deeply cultural dissonance affects my internal experience. Before this opportunity, I was passive about my feelings of inadequacy and isolation, often ignoring the disconnect I felt with my culture. But this process gave me the chance to confront and address those emotions head-on. I was able to express them in a way that felt both authentic and creative, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and the complexities of my cultural identity.”
Canvas painting
16 by 20 inches
2025
