Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji discusses her evolving art practice and her new role as the First Lady of New York City following her husband Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory. Known for her distinct illustrations and animations for major institutions like the Tate Modern and the New Yorker, Duwaji is now transitioning into a more public-facing life while maintaining a studio practice at Gracie Mansion. Her work, which spans hand-drawn animation, ceramics, and paintings on found materials like cardboard, continues to blur the lines between commercial illustration and fine art.
This profile highlights the intersection of art and political life, examining how a practicing artist navigates the scrutiny of being a public figure. Duwaji’s perspective challenges traditional hierarchies in the art world by asserting that illustration is as valid as gallery-bound fine art. Her presence at Gracie Mansion signals a shift in the cultural visibility of the city's leadership, emphasizing the role of the artist as a witness to and participant in contemporary political shifts.