Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Gracie Mansion in Manhattan for an engaging discussion with artist and New York First Lady Rama Duwaji. This marked her first media interview since her husband, Zohran Mamdani, took office on January 1. Entering the conversation, I was unsure of what to anticipate, having never met Duwaji or heard her speak publicly before.
The conversation unfolded like a typical studio visit, revealing a modest and introspective artist who deliberately avoids leveraging her public status for easy advancement in her career. While our dialogue was largely centered on her artistic practice, the interview gained widespread attention across numerous international publications.
The increased interest was spurred by Duwaji’s public apology for past youthful tweets, which a far-right publication resurfaced in an attempt to undermine her growing popularity. I trust this interview will provide insight into her genuine character as both an individual and an artist. Thank you for reading, and enjoy your weekend. —Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief
