Put Something Here

Of course, the threat of Muslims in America are topping headlines for the 9th year straight. Me being both Muslim and American is really conflicting, with the news making Muslims public enemy, I feel as if they are putting pressure on people like to pick one. If you are Muslim you can't be American, and vice-versa.

My concept for this project is to have a Muslim take the side of American, and list the problems with Muslims that have been attached as stereotypes over the years. The media is largely responsible for these stigmas, so I want to put this project on Youtube, a public space on the internet for the whole world to use as their own outlet of media.

Here is the outcome, and message from one individual to the world. The video is very uneasy and uncomfortable to illude to the discomfort of the individual who was forced to pick a side.

Artist Statement

Artist Statement

Always looking to improve, I find myself engaging in projects that push my boundaries as a cinematographer and as an editor. Above all, I consider myself to be a problem solver. Often times, I find myself in a position where a problem presents itself. I find it most rewarding when I discover a solution or draft a plan to reach my goal. This creative process is my art.

Before starting my career at college, I never considered myself to be an artist. I often had something to say, but never a proper outlet to convey my message. In high school, I spent time in the art classroom taking advantage of the resources available to me. Drawing and painting could never satisfy me, my message would always be misrepresented and misinterpreted. I first discovered my calling after attending a video production class taught by Andrew Teheran, a successful sculptor. The class was a trial program in the school and had no set curriculum. The instructor instead insisted that we come into the classroom and play with the provided equipment and familiarize ourselves with the different gadgets and software. Without understanding the full situation, everyone in the classroom became their own instructor, teaching themselves the latest video and photo editing software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop.

In Teheran’s classroom, I was exposed to many guerilla style artists. One fellow classmate introduced me to an artist named Banksy. What fascinated me about this artist was that he avoided freehand art and used technology and spray paint to create art. With my newly acquired knowledge of editing software, I felt empowered and inspired to attempt to create my own art.

Throughout my college career, I delved further into the world of editing and video production. After completing many video projects, what I found most rewarding was the exploring of different solutions and problem solving. I was quick to take advantage of on campus organizations like the Rutgers University Television Network and The Daily Targum that offer employment opportunities for students interested in new media.

After three years, I have collected extensive experience working with different powerful software like Final Cut Pro, After Effects and Premier. I Also gained a lot of experience using professional cameras that gave me the tools I need to create original art to deliver my personal messages to the public.

Being an Muslim in America, it is difficult to not be aware of the politics that revolve around my life. Being in this unique position, I find that most of my work has a self-aware imprint of Muslim struggle. After college, I am aiming to leave my impression on the world of mass media. I want to graduate from Mason Gross at Rutgers University to eventually be employed at a media station like CNN where I can influence those who influence the world.