EXHIBITION: Aida Murad’s First Solo Exhibition, “Nevin,” Opens in Brooklyn, New York
About Aida Murad
Aida Murad is a Palestinian-Jordanian and NYC-based spiritual artist. She approaches art as a healing process for both herself and her audience, helping them feel seen, heard, and loved. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis as a student at university, leaving her semi-paralyzed for 4.5 years. It was through these heavy times that she found solace and purpose in art. Unable to grip paint brushes during her trauma, Murad began painting with her hands and elbows, a practice she continues today, leaving her unique fingerprint within each stroke of paint.
“Nourishing Love,” finger painted with 6 layers of paint
Aida Murad opened her first solo-exhibit “Nevin” at the Founders Lab NYC in Brooklyn, NY on Friday, February 18th. Titled “Nevin,” after her grandmother who recently passed away, the exhibition celebrates the love, admiration, and yearning for all grandmothers and the imprint they have and leave on present and future generations.
14 of Murad’s paintings are displayed in the “Nevin” exhibition. The gallery space is complete with generously bright lighting and seamlessly leads viewers on the journey through Murad’s work. While some pieces may have felt hidden behind a walled alcove, the semi-private divide allowed for a respite from the party buzz and unmatched intimate moments with the artworks featured there.
The “Nevin” Exhibition space at the Founders Lab NYC
Artworks from left to right: “Isabelle,” finger painted with 8 layers of paint; “Renewal,” forearm painted with 2 layers of paint; “Beauty in the Breakdown,” forearm painted with 7 layers of paint
Murad herself is a whimsical character who floated about the exhibition space as if a fairy sprinkling her magic dust around the room. She has an enchanting presence and during the event, created a safe space for guests to share memories about their own grandmothers. Some guests shared poems and others recalled humorous stories and comments only their grandmother’s could get away with saying. These personal exchanges broke the familiar tension of any party’s first hour, making connecting and mingling more fluid thereafter.
Each of Murad’s paintings are infused with reiki, and she encourages audiences to investigate and touch her canvases to experience the different grooves and layers of paint. While an unusual practice, this active participation allows the audience to transfer their own individual energy into her work.
Welcoming more community and bonding during the opening, Murad installed an experiential canvas on a central gallery wall for guests to leave their own imprint in honor of their grandmothers. Like Murad, guests innocently played with paint, making strokes and designs with their hands and elbows.
The accompanying description to Murad’s paintings are works of inspirational compositions themselves. Each provides notions of reassurance in the unknown and perspectives on the power of vulnerability and acceptance. Some descriptions lead with thought-provoking questions and comments like “How does it feel to know that you are enough?” and “This painting is about forgiving the loved ones who disappointed you, but who did their best.”
When someone passes on, the Greeks say “αιώνια η μνήμη'' meaning “may their memory be eternal.” It’s said that society keeps their loved ones alive, not just by recalling memories, but by channeling their particularities and idiosyncrasies in everyday routines and moments. Like her grandmothers, Murad is an artist. While their artistry did not reach professional levels like Murad, she keeps their presence and talent alive through her practice. Their spirit now passes on to each individual that has the lucky chance of experiencing Murad’s work.
Explore all 14 artworks from the “Nevin” exhibition here
Keep up with Murad on her Instagram @muradaida and the Founders Lab NYC @founderslabnyc
