As part of its upcoming exhibit, (re)location, which focuses upon the life-altering experiences of emigration,  the Bristol Art Museum will host Rhode Island’s 2021 Youth Poetry Ambassador Halima Ibrahim, who will share her story of emigrating to Rhode Island amid the violence of the Arab Spring Uprising during her residency in Egypt. On Thursday, August 5 at 5:30 p.m., Ibrahim will share samples of her poetry influenced by her emigration experience and speak during the artists’ reception for the (re)location exhibit.

“My parents awakened me at 1 in the morning and implored me to quickly pack my clothes and some toys as they had decided to leave Egypt for the United States,” reflected Ibrahim. “With violence escalating in our neighborhood and throughout Cairo, we began a journey through three countries – Germany, the Netherlands and France  – before finally arriving in Washington, D.C. Through poetry, I have found an effective medium to express those feelings of fear and the unknown. I look forward to sharing my experiences through personal witness of the Arab Spring Uprising.”

“Art is manifested in many forms: paintings, sculptures, mosaics and even the written word, such as poetry,” said Lynn Moran, Bristol Art Museum Board Member. “The Bristol Art Museum is honored to welcome Halima to share her poetry as part of our (re)location exhibit. This intimate platform from which to express lasting impressions of the Arab Spring Uprising will inform Museum members and the general public of the value of art to express one’s innermost thoughts and struggles.  We are hopeful that Halima’s story will inspire others to support justice and acceptance of all individuals.”

The recent graduate of the Community College of Rhode Island who is transferring to Stanford University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies has left an indelible mark in Rhode Island notably through appointments as Rhode Island’s 2020 and 2021 Youth Poetry Ambassador. As a poet, Ibrahim expresses herself to raise awareness on controversial topics such as gun violence, chronic illness, ableism, islamophobia, and the challenges faced by biracial individuals in the United States.

Ibrahim was born in Pasadena, California, but moved to Rhode Island, where her mother was raised. The family moved to Egypt to be closer to her father’s family from 2009 to 2011. They lived in the vicinity of Tahrir Square, the epicenter for several political protests that resulted in the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Those who are fully vaccinated are invited to attend this unique and emotional presentation with a question and answer period to follow. (Those not vaccinated are asked to wear a mask.)