We explore the Arab community's evolution in Montreal, the intent behind Maktaba Bookshop as a space for Arab representation and cultural exchange, and the concept of decolonizing care. The founder of Maktaba in Montreal, Iraqi artist and author Sundus Abdul Hadi shares her immigration story, creative endeavors, and the significance of her community-focused bookstore. Sundus also delves into her books, "Take Care of Your Self: The Art and Cultures of Care and Liberation" and "Shams," and shares her personal experience as a mother in her artistic journey. The episode highlights the role of art and culture in nurturing and preserving Arab identity in the diaspora.
00:00 Introduction: Sundus' Background
01:07 Living in Montreal
03:53 The Arab Community in Montreal
08:40 Maktaba: The Bookshop and Its Mission
20:03 Decolonizing Care and Art
27:20 The Concept of Vacation and Self-Care
31:02 The Impact of Capitalism on Communities
31:39 Complicity in Global Issues
33:30 Challenges of Pro-Palestinian Speech
34:12 Independent Bookshop Ownership
36:47 The 10 Commandments for Independent Artists
41:29 The Role of Motherhood in Art
44:55 Creating Children's Books on Trauma
48:57 Book Recommendations from Maktaba
58:31 The Importance of Storytelling
Sundus Abdul Hadi is an artist and writer of Iraqi origin, raised and educated in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, where she earned a BFA in Studio Arts and Art History and a MA in Media Studies. Articulated through her artistic practice, writing and curation, Sundus’ work is a sensitive reflection on trauma, struggle, and care. She is the author/illustrator of Shams, a children’s book about trauma, transformation and healing. Her book titled “Take Care of Your Self: The Art and Cultures of Care and Liberation” is a non-fiction book about care, curation and community. She is the cofounder of We Are The Medium, an artist collective and culture point, and the founder of Maktaba Bookshop in Montreal. She has also exhibited her work and led workshops, is a two-time recipient of the CALQ Vivacite grant, and has won the Makers Muse award twice. Her work is part of the Barjeel Art Foundation collection.
Explore Maktaba 👉 https://www.instagram.com/maktaba.bookshop/
Connect with Sundus Abdul Hadi 👉 https://instagram.com/sundusabdulhadi
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Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
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