Rama Duwaji
Rama Duwaji | |
|---|---|
| راما دوجي | |
| Born | 1997 or 1998 (age 27–28) |
| Education | |
| Occupations | |
| Spouse | |
| Website | ramaduwaji.com |
Rama Duwaji (born 1997 or 1998[1][2]) is an American animator, illustrator, and ceramic artist.[3]
Early life
Duwaji was born in Houston, Texas, and is of Syrian descent.[4] She spent a number of years growing up in the Gulf states before moving back to the United States.[5]
Career
Duwaji obtained a degree in communication arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019.[6]
Duwaji holds a master's degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.[3]
Her work has appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post, as well as British venues like the BBC and Tate Modern.[3]
Her illustrations often portray Middle Eastern life with an emphasis on social justice, especially women's issues.[3][4] In a 2025 interview, she said she focused on art about her experiences and things she cares about.[7]
Since 2023, Duwaji has created numerous works about Israeli crimes in Gaza during the Gaza war, as well as artwork supporting the victims of the Sudanese Civil War.[2]
Personal life
Duwaji met Zohran Mamdani, a Ugandan-born American member of the New York State Assembly, on the dating application Hinge.[2] They married in February 2025 in a private ceremony at New York City Hall, and announced their marriage three months later after experiencing online harrasment from right-wing users.[3] Duwaji and Mamdani currently reside in Astoria, Queens.[4]
References
- ^ Robinson, Taylor (June 25, 2025). "Rama Duwaji, Mamdani's Wife, Is Thrust Into the Spotlight". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c Sutherland, Callum (June 26, 2025). "Meet Rama Duwaji, the Artist Who Met Zohran Mamdani on Hinge". TIME. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Matza, Max (June 26, 2025). "Rama Duwaji: Who is the wife of NYC candidate Zohran Mamdani?". BBC. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c Noveck, Jocelyn (June 25, 2025). "Zohran Mamdani's wife Rama Duwaji is an animator, illustrator and ceramicist. And they met on Hinge". AP News. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ Duwaji, Rama; Pearce, Isabella; Robathan, Hannah (May 24, 2019). "In conversation with Rama Duwaji". Shado Magazine. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ Moreno, Sabrina (July 2, 2025). "Rama Duwaji, Zohran Mamdani's wife, has Richmond roots". Axios. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Shanab, Menna (April 7, 2025). "Rama Duwaji - Art, Activism, and the Spaces In Between". YUNG. Retrieved June 27, 2025.