Getting To Know Social Justice Artist Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings, MBE
Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings is a one of a kind, extremely talented artist and activist that tranfuses different love languages to create mesmerising art that has won her several awards. Lovin was honoured to speak with her and get you some highlights!
Growing up between Sudan and the United Kingdom, Omeima first handedly experienced difficulties due to the lack of access for those hearing impaired. This encouraged her to flee the nest, and pursue her passion with the support of accessible education.
Social Justice Driven
Omeima is driven by social justice at heart and is an activist in many ways. She is an artist first before she is anything else, and uses art to make a difference and break barriers.
Art is the language I speak.
Most recently, Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings earned the prestigious Member of British Empire (MBE) for her services to people with disabilities in the arts in the 2022 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Through her art and activism, she made it a point to prioritise disability justice, and has made countless differences for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle, and she got to meet King Charles III, who personally handed her a medal. Now isn’t that impressive? Take a look!
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As a deaf artist herself, she has experienced and been challenged with the lack of access in every aspect of life, and has committed since a young age to make LIFE more accessible for her community. She always makes room for those who come after her so that they do not face the same obstacles she did, navigating her early career.
Clore Leadership Fellow
Omeima is a part of the Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow 2019/20 cohort, a prestigious program that has supported in uplifting her, and teaching her new ways in order to reach greater heights.
As part of her secondment, she also worked as an activist amongst the Craft Council to help support the drafting and delivering of an action plan that would ensure that their newest venture, would become a leader in the craft sector for diversity and equality.
Omeima’s intersectionality is at the forefront of her work, she ensures that people who share her various identities have access to opportunities in their careers and lives in order to thrive. She wants to make sure people do not struggle because of their identity. What a warrior!
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A Woman of Many Hats
As a Creative Consultant AND Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessibility Consultant, Omeima continues to also be a leader in creating accessible activities that promote both justice and professional development opportunities.
I’m influenced by my deafness, not defined by it.
Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
In 2015, Omeima was selected by the British Council and commissioned to showcase a collection of her art, primarily Arabic calligraphy, which she received honours by the Qatari Royal family for her work. She was the only Deaf artist to be showcasing her work there!
“I am an artist first before everything. I am an activist. I happen to be a woman, I happen to be deaf, and I happen to be Sudanese, but first and foremost I am an artist. That is my passion, my language.”
It was a pleasure to speak with Omeima and get to know her story. We are absolutely LOVIN her energy and can’t wait to see the new heights she keeps unlocking! More power to you!
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