Admire my artwork, not my face, says Pakistani Muslim artist after Islamophobic attacks

Today the internet and social media have become a prominent tool for many artists to reach a wider audience. This new technology that offers a two-way communication makes it easier for artists to interact and engage with their followers. On the other hand, they are forced to learn how to deal with cyber bullying and hate speech.

Mia Malik, a U.K.-based Pakistani artist, is only one of many who has been subjected to Islamophobic attacks in the digital world.

The 20-year-old niqab-clad Muslim painter, who only wants to be recognized by her art, expressed her feelings and ideas about how she deals with the social media mania in an exclusive interview with Yeni Şafak daily.

“I started painting when I was 16/17 on my face doing doodles and went viral for that, drawing animals and realistic photos. After I’ve been focusing on drawing nature/water and mosques which has brought me so much blessings and ease within my heart,” she said.

As soon as my Ortaköy Mosque painting went viral, I knew there was going to be negative comments to come along with it, because there are always those few people. Narrow-minded people ignorant to the fact they cannot see my face as a Muslim woman who is trying to observe the niqab. Why did they feel so entitled to see my face? My tweet was just purely based on my art vs me as a person, a worshiper of Allah only. So many artists out there: Banksy/Sia who are anonymous artists yet are praised for their work while being mysterious. My intentions are Islam-based, however why were they annoyed just because it’s a Muslim woman this time? Can you people not just admire the work I created? It doesn’t get to me, I push myself harder.

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Living in the U.K. trying to wear a niqab (eyes showing) is difficult, U.K. people are often ignorant and Islamophobic toward Muslims based off from what they’ve seen over social media and all the politics too. I haven’t experienced a physical attack in person just casual looks or words but it doesn’t bother me, because I am who I am: a Muslim before anything.

As for Turkey, I think it’s breathtaking: the culture, the country, the architecture. I’ve visited twice and I’m coming again this June! I’d love to see the different mosques in person and explore more.